Sylvia Dahl
Sylvia B. (Mayers) Dahl, 80, of Wallingford, and formerly of Fairfield, died peacefully February 21. Born in Flint, Mich., she graduated from the University of Michigan in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science and Certificate of Medical Technology.
Her daughters, Catherine Nonnenmacher, and husband Paul, of Sandy Hook, and Laura Dahl Wolters, and husband Peter, of Santa Clarita, Calif.; as well as four grandchildren, Nicole Nonnenmacher, Joshua Wolters, Nathanael Wolters, and Lillian Wolters, survive her. She is also survived by two brothers, Clifford Mayers of Linden, Mich., and Colin Mayers of Hillsdale, Mich.; sister, Cynthia Ottewell of Bel Air, Md.; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The father of her children, James M. Dahl, predeceased her.
Ms Dahl worked in biochemistry research laboratories at both her alma mater and Ohio State University, and worked as a medical technologist at Park City Hospital and Bridgeport Hospital, both in Bridgeport, until retiring in 2002. She was a member of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.
She was also a master picture framer and operated a successful framing business, It's A Frame-Up, out of her home in Fairfield for more than 30 years before she retired at age 79. In addition to serving dozens of artists and commercial customers, she did conservation framing and installations for major area museums, including the Discovery Museum, Barnum Museum, and the Fairfield Historical Society.
In addition to her professional careers, she was an active volunteer. Ms Dahl was a member of the American Association of University Women and had leadership positions in both the Ann Arbor, Mich., and Bridgeport AAUW branches. She received the Coalition of Women's Organizations Volunteer Award in 1989 and 2004.
She also volunteered for many years at Wilbur Cross School in Bridgeport, the Ann Arbor Garden Club, the Fairfield Historical Society, the Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University, and with the Girl Scouts in Ann Arbor and Newtown.
Her mastery of gardening was evident at her homes in Fairfield and then Wallingford, as well as the homes of her daughters, all of which became showcases for her horticultural skills.
Her loved ones say to all her family and friends, she was an amazing person and a wonderful mother and grandmother.
A celebration of Ms Dahl's life will be this summer, and the family will share details when they become available.
Donations in Ms Dahl's name may be made to The Barnum Museum, 820 Main Street, Bridgeport CT 06604, or barnum-museum.org/donate; or the American Association of University Women Educational Opportunities Fund, 1310 L Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington DC 20005, or ww2.aauw.org/donate-gifts.
The Honan Funeral Home of Newtown is serving the family.