Sylvia Blanche Walden Vessiny, 88, passed away May 24, 2013, at her home in Oceanside, Calif.

She was born Sept. 24, 1924, at her grandparents’ home, 603 N. Main St., Farmer City, one of two daughters of Ralph and Ruth Walden, former residents of Farmer City, and was raised on a nearby farm along with her sister, Marguerite.

Growing up she spent time on the farm, in LeRoy and in Farmer City, living with and assisting her grandparents, Sylvia and Newton Black. Many of her fond memories revolved around Rucker Chapel where she attended services and social events. It was there that she was baptized at age 13 and, in her words, “the Lord became real to me and has been ever since.” She remained a supporter of Rucker Chapel until her death. She attended Britton Public School, Moore Township High School, and then Bloomington Secretarial School. She then worked for State Farm Insurance Cos. at the Bloomington home office.

After World War II, she married Robert R. “Bob” Vessiny and moved to New York City where she had two children, Rob and Jim. In 1957, the family moved to Altadena, Calif., near Los Angeles, where Bob started a new career in the field of racing chemistry. She remained in the same house as a mother and homemaker until 2007. In 2006, Bob passed away and one year later Sylvia moved to Oceanside, Calif., to be near her oldest son, Rob. Sylvia was all about family and keeping family history alive. Throughout her life, she stayed in touch with many extended family members in the Bloomington-LeRoy-Farmer City area.

She was brought back to Farmer City to her final resting place in Maple Grove Cemetery next to her mother and father.

She is survived by her two sons, Rob and Jim Vessiny; Jim’s wife, Sue, and daughter, Emma; nephews, Bob and Delmar Roberts; and nieces Betty, Donna, and Nancy Roberts.

East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington, was in charge of arrangements.