Sylvia Tarifi

Sylvia Rae Tarifi a long-time resident of Orange, CT passed away surrounded by family on Jan 31st, 2023, at the age of 77. She was a loving mother of 3 sons David Tarifi and his wife Heather, Daniel Tarifi and his wife Norma and Noah Tarifi. She was a proud Grandma known as “Yaya” to her grandchildren Logan, Tinsley, and Mia Tarifi. 

Sylvia’s proudest achievement were her three sons.  She was a proud and devoted mother raising her 3 sons with love, support, and encouragement to be strong and independent men armed with all the tools to succeed in life. As a grandmother, Sylvia exhibited patience, caring, and understanding and that uncanny grandma ability to be kind and loving yet firm at the same time. She was never too busy to play boardgames, cook, bake, or teach her granddaughters how to knit. She cherished every minute she had with her grandchildren. When hanging with family she was typical chatting with us while knitting at the same time. She was an avid reader and gardener taking great pride in her flowers and vegetables. She was always anxious to tell us about her flourishing garden.

She was born in Hamilton, Ontario and was the daughter of her late birth parents Ray Vik and Nellie Rae Nielson and later adopted by Harold Perkins and Elizabeth Bowie Stevens. 50 years later enabled by curiosity and technology she reunited with her biological siblings (Elaine, Marian, Lorraine, and Doug Nielson) She cherished these renewed relationships which very much enriched her life. She thoroughly enjoyed visiting them north of border in Canada and hosting them at her home.

Sylvia graduated from McMaster University in 1967 and spent her professional career as a Director in public and private housing developments. She enjoyed her profession and served her tenants and communities with care and dedication for over 30 years before retiring in 2021. She was very philanthropic, donating her spare time to organizations such as the Norwalk Exchange Club, Lions Club of Beacon Falls, and others.  She always enjoyed helping others.

She will be deeply missed by her friends, family and all who knew her.

A service of remembrance will be held on Friday, February 10, 2023.  Friends and family may call from 5pm to 7pm with a service scheduled from 7pm- 8pm at the Cody White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St, Milford CT. 

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