Sylvia R. Collmer

AVOCA – Sylvia R. Collmer (1947-2024) 

Sylvia R. Collmer, 77, of Avoca, passed away Monday evening July 22nd, 2024 at the Hospeace House in Naples after a long battle with cancer.

Sylvia was born on April 13th, 1947 in Prattsburgh to the late Raymond and Virginia Snyder.

She was a graduate of Prattsburgh Central School – Class of 1965.

Sylvia spent much of her life volunteering for various organizations. Most recently, at the Avoca American Legion as the “Chicken Wing Queen”. Since 1994 she has volunteered at the Wallace Volunteer Fire Department where she served as President for over 20 years. She also enjoyed over 30 years at the Steuben County Fair working at various locations.

Sylvia enjoyed reading, listening to country music, and watching soap operas, game shows, The New York Yankees, as well as College and High School Basketball games. She was also known for her cooking and baking skills especially her “magic cookie bars” or the “crusties” on her mac-n-cheese. Sylvia also enjoyed going for walks and spending time with the various cats she has had throughout her life. Sylvia enjoyed a busy house that was also occupied by her children’s friends and everyone was always welcomed with a smile and open arms.

She is survived by her daughters Angela ( James) Costley of Bath, and Lynn Johnson of Corning, and her sons Gary Storms (Stephanie) of Rushville, William B. Collmer Jr. (Jenna Clark) of Avoca, and her special sons Luke Pickering of Avoca and Bob Baldwin of Canandaigua. Grandchildren Ashley (Nick) Thomas, Amey Collmer (Tyler Ortiz),  SGT Amaya Duskin, RaeAnna Collmer-Costley, Amanda (Chuck) Robenolt, Gavin Collmer, Zackery Johnson, Michael Johnson, Logan Storms, Adam Pickering, Hunter Pickering, and Abram Pickering. Her goat grandchildren Winston and Phillip. Great grandchildren Sierra Lafler, Blake Thomas, Lane Duskin, Ariella Duskin, Emarosa Johnson, and Boy (Dominick), Turtle (Krystala), Isaiah, Cadance, and Bristol Robenolt. 

She was predeceased by her son John W. Collmer, Grandson Connor Storms, and great-grandson Easton Duskin. 

Calling hours will be held at the Wallace Wesleyan Church on Saturday, July 27th, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM with funeral services and a fireman’s ceremony to follow at 12:00 PM. Luncheon to follow at the Wallace Wesleyan Church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Sylvia’s name to the Wallace Volunteer Fire Department PO Box 481 Avoca, NY 14809 or the Hospeace House Inc. PO Box 343 Naples, NY 14512.

The Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home of Avoca, New York is honored to assist Sylvia’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Sylvia are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.