Sylvia Sablan Meno died peacefully March 6, 2008, at Providence Alaska Medical Center, Anchorage, surrounded by her family.

Sylvia was born to Maria (Guerrero) and Jose Cruz Sablan on Nov. 3, 1923, in Agana, Guam. During the World War II Japanese occupation of Guam, Sylvia was a resourceful and hardworking young teenager helping with her younger siblings in a family of 14 children. She was a key contributor to the family’s survival during the war. In 1945, she married Gregorio Chargualaf Meno, Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy, at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Sinajana, Guam. After a successful Navy career in the Pacific theater, the couple settled in Oak Harbor where they raised their four children.

Sylvia enjoyed national and international travel. She also loved to do volunteer work at Children’s Hospital in Seattle. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Oak Harbor and of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Seattle. Sylvia was a member of Gold Star Mothers, Military Widows and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association in Seattle.

Sylvia was preceded in death by Gregorio and her oldest son, George Sablan Meno, Captain, U.S. Army. She is survived by her brothers Antonio Sablan, Juan Sablan and her sisters, Fidela Umpingco, Eugenia Perez, Dorothea Ishmael, Julita Sauget and Maria Kowalski. Sylvia was predeceased by her brothers Jesus Sablan, Joseph Sablan, Gregorio Sablan, Vicente Sablan and sister, Nary Perez. Survivors also include her children; son, Don (Mary Beth) of Bothell, daughter, Bert (Roger) Mercer of Anchorage, and daughter, Beverly Leilani Nagel, Seattle.

“Mom was fiercely loyal to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She and Dad cared deeply for our education, which both valued as a priority – reflected in her nine grandsons, all of whom graduated with university degrees,” her family recalled. “Mom opened her heart, home and resources to her multi-generational family.”

Sylvia’s nine grandsons and 19 great grandchildren brought her much joy. Grandsons are: Greg Muller, John Meno, Brandon Meno, Ryan Meno, Geoff Meno, Greg Mercer, Gabe Mercer, Josh Mercer and Justin Meno.

A Catholic memorial service was held in the chapel at Fort Myer, Va., followed by internment May 6 at Arlington National Cemetery, Va.Sylvia was buried alongside her husband, Gregorio, and son, George.