Sylvia Elaine Sullivan, 68, of Castleton passed away June 12, 2006 at her home after a long illness. Sylvia was born July 2, 1937 in Norwich, CT, the daughter of Walter B. and Amelia (Wisiackas) Zvingilas. She graduated from Griswold, CT High School in 1955 and received a BS degree in Biology from Tufts University in 1959. Sylvia received a Masters Degree in Genetics from Iowa State University in 1961. She worked as a research assistant at Iowa State until she accepted a position as a Biology associate at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Long Island, NY in 1962. She was a member of Sigma Xi and Gamma Sigma Delta honorary science societies. On April 27, 1963 Sylvia married James Sullivan in Jewett City, CT. She gave up her career to become a Navy wife and mother. In 1974, after Jim's retirement they settled in Castleton with their four sons. In Castleton, Sylvia, despite a long time battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis, was active in many community organizations, most notably The Castleton Historical Society. With her dear friend Claire Burditt, she compiled and edited "Castleton, Looking Back" a pictorial history of Castleton's first 100 years. She has had her poetry published in several literary publications. Sylvia is survived by her husband, their sons, Gregory and his wife Dr. Nathalie Szilagyi, of Sidney OH, Christopher and his wife Cynthia of Ballston Spa, NY, Jeffrey and his wife Kimberly of Hazleton, PA and Stephen and his wife Cynthia of San Jose, CA. She is also survived by her mother and brother, Peter Zvingilas of Jewett City, CT, her sister Carol Dunn of Merritt Island, FL, seven grandchildren, Scott, Emily, Phoebe, Jimmy, Eamon, Patrick and Kerrick, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be on Thursday, June 15 from 6 PM until 8 PM at Ducharme Funeral Home in Castleton. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Ducharme Funeral Home. www.ducharmefuneralhome.com