Sylvia Van Houten

Sylvia Van Houten passed away November 1, 2023 and is now soaring with the falcons over Vroman’s Nose. Sylvia was born in Lansing, Michigan on September 12, 1933 to Lee and Margaret (Feeman) Brown.  Sylvia met Wally, her husband of fifty years, at Michigan state College.  They started their family in Michigan and several years later settled in Middleburgh, where they remained for sixty years.

Sylvia was an epic woman, with many interests and accomplishments.  Sylvia was a prolific artist all of her life.  She was a trustee on the Iroquois Indian Museum Board and the genealogist at the Old Stone Fort and Sylvia was one of the original founders of the Gilboa Museum.  She was an avid gardener, reader, birder and dabbled in archeology.  She and Wally loved traveling and camping throughout the United States with their young family and as retirees.  Sylvia cherished Schoharie Valley, hiking Vroman’s Nose often with Wally, friends and family, marveling at the exquisite landscape.

Sylvia as predeceased by her husband Wally, son: Jonathan; grandson-in-law: Daniel Shultes and numerous canine pets she adored.

She is survived by her daughters: Lorelle Van Houten and Kristen (Walt) Wyckoff; grandchildren: Eamonn (Brekke) Hinchey, Marlee (Chris) Stone, Trista Shultes, Delana Wyckoff and ten great-grandchildren.

Sylvia’s family would like to thank the staff at Robinson Pavilion Assisted Living in Stamford for their loving care and support during her last years.

All are invited to a visitation with Sylvia’s family from 1:00-3:00PM on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at Coltrain Funeral Home, LLC, 134 River Street Middleburgh.  Private interment will be in Middleburgh Cemetery.

Sylvia’s family requests memorial donations in her honor be given to a local animal shelter or museum of your choice.

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