Sylvia Bucher (Sears) moved onto a new life without pain or unhappiness in the early morning hours of Dec. 2, 2020. Like many others, Sylvia became a statistic of COVID-19. Her last few years of life were spent as a resident of Nottingham Village where she enjoyed getting visits from family, spending time playing bingo and listening to music programs provided by the Nottingham activity staff. We were told by staff that they could always count on Sylvia to make them smile or laugh because of her infectious silly grin or her dry, off-handed remarks, and sometimes even slightly off color.

Sylvia was married most of her life to David E. Bucher who moved onto a better life years before her. She has four children, John ad wife Sherry of Middleburg, Susan Bell of Northumberland, Cindy Diogo and husband Maurice of Northumberland, and Michele Clemens of Northumberland. She enjoyed life with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren are, Shelley Heffner, Lisa Straub, Richard Bell, Jenna Bell, Noelle Long, Joshua Diogo, Jared Diogo, Katherine Diogo, Zachary Clemens and Adam Clemens. Her great-grandchildren include, Ashley Bucher, Joshua Heffner, Alexis Hofmann, Nathan Kline, Stella Bell, Oliver Bell, Carter Long, and Danielle Long. Sylvia was the "middle" child. Her sister, Shirley Sears Chater, is in Oregon and her brother, Charles Sears resides in Northumberland. She has several nieces and nephews. To welcome her to a better life, those waiting for her include her parents, Raymond and Edna (Shamp) Sears and sons-in-law, Thomas Bell and James Clemens.

For those that knew her before her move to Nottingham, knew her to be a hard-working woman. She took pride in her abilities to make candies of various kinds to give away or to sell during holiday periods. Everyone looked forward to her sugar cookies, Easter eggs, and her chocolate candies. She spent many hours working on these goodies to distribute to her church for the children, local fund-raising events, area small businesses, and to individuals who would simply stop by to purchase them from her home. She held roles of warehouse clerk at the former Rea & Derrick warehouses, babysitting children over decades (including her granddaughter Noelle), cleaned for private individuals in their homes, and also before "retiring" (she never did) for Ciotti Cleaning Services.

In Sylvia's eyes, she led a simple but full life and that's what matters most. She loved playing Yahtzee and her addition skills never stopped despite multiple medical problems. She enjoyed doing word search puzzles and always had one nearby. She regularly participated in activities at her church. Sylvia always wanted the best for those around her and would deprive herself for the benefit of others who mattered without them even knowing of her sacrifice. For those left behind, always remember the lip curl and how much we will miss it despite its meaning. Rest easy now Mom, we will miss you but knowing you have moved onto a better, more comfortable life, gives us comfort.

Due to COVID-19, the family has requested to keep the services private. For Sylvia, mask up and wash your hands.

Arrangements are by the Jerre Wirt Blank Funeral Home, 309 Water St., Northumberland.