Sylvia Louella Regrut

On April 15, 2017, Sylvia Louella Spencer Regrut of Ithaca, NY, concluded her 101-year sojourn on earth much the way she lived it, beloved and surrounded by family and friends. Born in a blizzard on March 18, 1916 in Hepburnia, PA, her story is a triumph of God's grace, an orphan who became "Mom" to more people than we'll ever know and whose legacy of love touched lives around the world.
Sylvia's memory was legendary: she captivated her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with stories of growing up in western Pennsylvania. The early years on her foster family's farm were not easy, but she found comfort in her beloved barn cats and her unbridled imagination. She discovered a world beyond the fields, forests, and coalfields in the pages of the Philadelphia Inquirer and in the stories of missionaries in far-off lands.
Sylvia's resolute and overcoming spirit enabled her to adapt to each new living situation that shaped her childhood and teenage years. In high school, milking cows and caring for children had to be done before studying; she slept little but managed to be well-prepared each morning when she climbed aboard the milk truck for the long ride to school. She couldn't accept the college scholarship she was offered, having no money to pay for housing or transportation. In reality, she was homeless and penniless after graduating from high school, but Sylvia was determined to make a new life for herself.
She heard about a possible job opportunity in New York City, so at age 18, she packed all her possessions in a single suitcase and headed east. After working as a nanny and housekeeper for two families in Manhattan, she landed a position with a European importer. She was able to use her typing and shorthand skills, but had to learn French so that she could handle the firm's correspondence with nut and fruit growers in France.
In New York, she met Nick, the son of an impoverished immigrant, who had left his Pennsylvania home to find his way in the big city. Nick admired her from a distance, but she was always lost inside of a book; so, one evening he sat on her stoop, reading the newspaper to block her path-that way, she had to notice him! A romance blossomed and soon they were married. She put her education on hold to help put Nick through college. Then they began a Christ-centered family that grew to five children, 18 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren. After spending the war years in New Jersey, they moved to the Bronx where they became leaders in the small Church of God and caretakers of the church's Missionary Home. Later they served at Calvary Baptist Church in Manhattan, where Sylvia managed the Sunday school program, coordinated hospitality, and earned an associate's degree at the New York School of the Bible.
Along the way, she became God's ambassador to hundreds, sacrificing and serving in a myriad of ways. At her table, she fed countless friends-and those who would become friends; many of whom became as close as family. She invested in people for whom no one else had time. She was a wife, mother, homemaker, and unofficial social worker, as well as a representative for the N.Y. Women's Bible Society, president of the PTA, school literacy volunteer, and tutor for adult ESL students. Sylvia also ran a children's Bible club for many years and became a refuge for many of the families she touched.
In 1994, Nick and Sylvia moved to Ithaca, NY to be near their daughters while her beloved Nick battled the final stages of cancer and departed for his heavenly home, shortly after their 56th anniversary. Most people would hesitate to strike up new relationships at 78, but Sylvia developed an impressive network of friends during her years in Ithaca. Even when wheelchair bound, visually impaired, and hard of hearing, she prayed for and remained connected with people around the world. Sylvia sat in her office, walls covered with pictures of kitties, and wrote an untold number of birthday, anniversary, and thinking-of-you cards to brighten the lives of her loved ones.
Sylvia served as a conduit of God's love to people from all walks of life, regardless of ethnic background or standing in the community. She had the ability to engage anyone, whether conversing with college professors and business leaders about politics or holding a tea party with her great-grandchildren. Although she is now with the Lord, her Godly legacy will endure for generations to come.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband, Nicholas, and her son, Spencer Alan. She is survived by Spencer's wife, Marcia Chambers Regrut of Littleton, CO, daughter Miriam Sue (Carroll) Teitsworth of Groveland, NY, son Brian Nicholas (Joan) Regrut of Midlothian, VA, daughter Donna Joy (Leslie) Hibbert of Dryden, NY, and daughter Pamela Karen (Paul) Bateman of Freeville, NY; her 18 grandchildren: Melanie Davis and Amanda (Erik) Hall; Lance (Jessica) Teitsworth, Lisa (Tim) Brady, Liana (Jim) Hazeltine, and Lee (Jill) Teitsworth; Dean (Jennifer) Regrut, Amy (Ray) de Leon, Jon (Stephanie) Regrut, Dale (Terra) Regrut, Kara Regrut, and Carrie (Terry) McDaniel; Holly Hibbert, Karen (Derek) Papais, and Keith (Jamie) Hibbert; April, Arielle, and Ian Bateman; and her 29 great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held Friday, April 21, 2017 from 5 - 8 p.m. at Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main St., Dryden, NY 13053. There will be a celebration of Sylvia's life Saturday, April 22 at 2 p.m. at Bethel Grove Bible Church, 1763 Slaterville Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850. Memorial contributions can be made in Sylvia's name to a missionary or missions organization of your choice.