Posted on 12/27/2017
MARY G. SYKES (Age 83) Died on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, in Williamsburg, VA after a long illness. She was a longtime resident of Northern Virginia and Virginia Beach before moving with her husband to the Williamsburg Landing community in 2010. Mary Gara Sykes, the oldest of three daughters, was born on February 3, 1934 in New Haven, CT, to James and Eleanor Gara. Due to her father's career with Sears Roebuck, she lived in Pottsville, PA, and Frederick, MD, before moving to Norfolk, VA in 1945, where she went to the Sacred Heart School. She was a 1951 graduate of Granby High School and graduated from The Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart in Purchase, NY, in 1955. During her senior year, she met a Navy lieutenant, Lewis B. Sykes. They were married in Norfolk in September 1955. Mary was a proud Navy wife and mother, and she was with her husband during his 30-year career in the service. The time included postings in Charleston, SC; Seattle, WA; Norfolk, VA and Washington, and a final stop overseas in London. They settled in Northern Virginia, where they lived for over 35 years. She and Lew raised five children and were active participants in their lives - especially swimming meets. After Lew retired from the Navy as a captain, Mary accompanied him on more than 50 international trips. In 1993, her life underwent a major change -- the birth of the first of her 10 grandchildren. Mary was always happy when she was spending time with her grandchildren. This included many family celebrations, their soccer games -- and yes, their swimming meets. Among her happiest times were when she was traveling with her husband, hosting grandchildren at the family beach house and spending time with her friends. She was an original member of the Ruth Sargeant Circle, which supports Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk. She also served as secretary and membership chairman of the DC AAU Swimming Committee. As a result of her extensive international travel, she was a travel agent for Thomas Cook, and enjoyed planning wonderful trips for others. She is survived by her five children, Mary Blair of New York City, James of Annandale, VA; Daniel (Jill) of Louisville, KY, Sarah Russell (Mark) of Newport News, VA; and William (Elizabeth) of Williamsburg, VA. Her grandchildren are Will and Ellie Ketterer-Sykes; Joseph, Benjamin, and Daniel Sykes, Billy and Mary Margaret Russell; Maggie, Teddy and Katharine Sykes, and many nieces and nephews. She also is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Gara McLaughlin. She was preceded in death by her husband and sister, Eleanor Gara McCarthy. Visitation will be held at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments in Norfolk from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 28. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk at 10 a.m. Friday, December 29. After the mass, a reception will be held at Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. Graveside services and burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters at CHKD, P.O. Box 2156, Norfolk VA 23501-2156.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters at CHKD, P.O. Box 2156, Norfolk VA 23501-2156.
H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments
1501 Colonial Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23517
(757) 622-7353
Published in The Washington Post on Dec. 27, 2017