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

In loving memory of Sylvia and condolences to her family
From, Alan, Tracey and Family

For nanny and for this charity

Sylvia Lawes, “Nanny” was a woman of incredible creativity, kindness and generosity. She taught me to play the piano on her electric organ, despite never having learnt to read music herself. She taught me my first songs, put me on stage at just three years old and encouraged my love of music and performing.

Music was always at the heart of her life. She wrote beautiful songs about faith, hope, love, family and remembrance, and even in the later stages of Alzheimer’s, she never forgot a melody.

She also wrote wonderful stories, made costumes and organised annual shows involving children “Syl-bar” Juniors from the community, raising thousands of pounds for charity. She never turned anyone away and gave her time so generously.

But perhaps her greatest gift was her love.

She was the glue that held our family together. Despite all our imperfections, she loved us unconditionally and accepted us exactly as we were.

She was truly my sunshine.

Her absence has left a huge space in our family and in many lives, but her love, music, stories and kindness will live on through all of us.

I will always be grateful for everything she gave me.

She will forever be the reason I sing.
Rest peacefully, Nanny.
You are my sunshine, now and always. ❤️

In loving memory of Sylvia from Glenis Lawes and family in Canada.

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.