Story: John Mellor | Photo:Anwar Suliman
St Peter's Ellesmere was filled to capacity on 6th September for a truly memorable thanksgiving service for the remarkable life of Sylvia Pennington, a Burngreave resident for 68 years.
Members of her family, alongside friends, neighbours, local councillors and members of local churches, met to pay tribute to a lady who had endeared herself to all sections of the community, young and old. The grief that was expressed reflected the great love that Sylvia had for people, which came from her own knowledge of God's love for her through her friendship with Jesus.
Rev Mark Goodhand reflected on Sylvia's long and active life and Rev Philip Ireson read two scripture readings (from Jeremiah and Isaiah) which had been chosen by Sylvia herself before she died. Her granddaughter, Kerry, gave a moving tribute which expressed the love and respect of all the family, with the touches of humour which were so characteristic of Sylvia. She had known personal tragedy in her life. Her first husband died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 37 leaving her with three young children under the age of 10 to bring up on her own – “with discipline and love”. She remarried 10 years later but was widowed for a second time 30 years ago.
However, Sylvia wasn't one to sit down and feel sorry for herself. After retiring through ill health, from her work as a cleaner, she undertook training to do a number of voluntary jobs in the community. First she became an ‘Appropriate Adult’, acting as a guardian, befriending young people in trouble with the police. She then moved on to help children with their reading at Byron Wood and later Limpsfield Schools.
Her involvement with St Peter's led to her training as a lay, parish evangelist and a hospital chaplaincy volunteer at the Northern General Hospital. She had a great pride in Burngreave and was always campaigning to improve standards in the area, whether it related to litter, parking, bus services or the problems faced by local residents.
Councillor Ibrar Hussain summed up what many others also thought of Sylvia:
“I will miss her as a good friend. She had a heart for Burngreave and was keen that it should always be seen at its best. She was faithful in her attendance at community forums and was not afraid to call officials of statutory authorities to account if she felt they were neglecting their duties. She was a wonderful example of perseverance but her concerns were always expressed with her characteristic sense of humour.”
Sylvia’s granddaughter made a moving tribute at the funeral which you can read here. See 'Tribute to Sylvia'.