Sylvia Mary Lawes (22 Feb 1940 - 19 Aug 2026)

I couldn't have wished for a better mother-in-law than Sylvia, whose kindness and encouragement came with a full heart and a smile. Miss you, Sylvia. Love Andrew x

Mum was a wonderful mother, who brought us up with strength and kindness.
I will miss her so much. Love you mum ❤️

A wonderful lady whose presence lit up any room she was in.

A lifetime of dancing, singing and performing that continued even into her final years.

Her light was never dimmed by dementia. Her smile continued to grace those around her, even on the rainiest of days.

Sylvia Lawes spent her entire life in the villages of Claydon and Barham. Although her world was rooted in these small Suffolk communities, she had a big heart, and a gift for bringing people together.

A devoted mother to her three daughters and a much-loved grandmother to eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, family was at the centre of Sylvia's life. Alongside her commitment to her family, she dedicated countless hours to community and charitable activities, bringing people together through friendship, music, and entertainment.

Sylvia will be fondly remembered for her love of singing and performing, and for the joy she brought to others through her many community ventures. She founded the Syl-Bar Juniors show group, which regularly staged concerts and plays in support of local charities, encouraging young people to develop their confidence and talents while raising money for good causes. She also played a key role in the Bar-Clay Music Makers, helping to create opportunities for local people to come together through a shared love of music and performance. She also worked at the original Claydon Co-op, where her friendly nature and warm smile made her a familiar face to many in the local community.

She had a wonderful zest for life and took pleasure in the simple things that made people smile. Whether singing along to her favourites, Cilla Black and Jane McDonald, or filling the kitchen with the aroma of her cheese straws and sponge cakes, Sylvia had a gift for making others feel welcome and cared for.

In later years, Sylvia faced dementia with remarkable resilience. Despite the challenges it brought, she retained her warmth, her joyful spirit, and her infectious smile. She spent her final years as a happy and cherished resident of Bucklesham Grange Care Home, where she continued to bring happiness to those around her.

After six years apart, Sylvia now joins her beloved husband, Ronald Lawes, who passed away in 2020. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, community spirit, and love that will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.