Sylvia Gould

Sylvia Ada Gould (91) passed away peacefully in Taos, New Mexico on September 18, 2024. Sylvia was born to William A. Marsh, and Eva Eveleigh Marsh on October 16, 1932 in Watertown, New York after both made the voyage to New York State from Dorset, England. 

Sylvia lived her rambunctious young life on the family farm in Upstate New York, with her loving brother Frederick. When she was not doing chores and helping tend to the cows, horses, cats, and dogs, she was swimming in the local pond, running around in the forest, reading anything she could get her hands on and playing dress up with her favorite cat. She graduated from Adams Center Central School in 1951, and from The House of the Good Samaritan School of Nursing in September 1954 and then worked as a staff RN at HGS, and eventually as head nurse at the Clarke Building. Sylvia married Paul Francis Gould March 1, 1958, then moved to Ithaca, New York where she worked as Head Nurse at Tompkins County General Hospital, and Paul graduated from Cornell University. They later moved to Columbia, Missouri where Sylvia worked as Head Nurse at Ellis Fishel Cancer Hospital and Paul competed his Master’s degree. Their son David was born during their time in Columbia, Missouri. They moved to Madison, Wisconsin, in 1965 and Sylvia started working at Central Colony as a staff RN, and Paul started the Young Executive Program at Oscar Mayer. Their daughter Julie was born after they moved to Madison. The family later moved to Lodi, Wisconsin and started a hobby farm raising pigs, along with a massive fruit and vegetable garden. Sylvia and Paul moved to Waunakee, Wisconsin and built their dream home in 1989. Sylvia loved her family, her neighbors, and her wonderful home. She loved Paul with all her heart. Sylvia will be remembered for her strong will, kindness, compassion, and great sense of humor. She shared generously without judgement. Sylvia was an avid square dancer with Paul, and they travelled the world participating in square dancing conventions. They both travelled extensively together, and Sylvia especially enjoyed experiencing new cultures. Sylvia and Paul both supported organizations which assisted Native American communities, and underserved and unhoused populations in the Madison area. She often discussed how important it was for her to give back to those less fortunate. 

She is survived by her son David (Monica Bierge) in Taos, New Mexico; her daughter Julie (Mark) Repka in Stoughton, Wisconsin; her grandson Daniel (Andrea) Repka and their children Jack, Charlie, Nicholas, and Dylan in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is further survived by her niece Sandy (Tom) Radley, and nephew Daniel (Sherri) Marsh near Watertown, New York, and other relatives in the Tri-State area. 

Following her wishes, a Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 4:30-8 p.m. on Sunday, October 6 at The Stamm House in Middleton, WI. There will be a graveside service at Dexter Cemetery in Dexter, New York from 12-1 p.m. Saturday October 12, followed by a luncheon from 1-4 p.m. at the American Legion in Dexter, New York. In lieu of flowers Sylvia requested that donations be made to one of her favorite charities: Humane Society, Waunakee Neighborhood Connection, Porchlight, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent DePaul.

The family of Sylvia Ada Gould has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. 866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com