Sylvia B. Neal

Sylvia B. Neal Age 85, longtime resident of Northville, passed away August 6, 2016.  She was born March 18, 1931 in London, England; daughter of Frank and Ivy (nee Acton) Willoughby. Sylvia worked for many years as a Teacher’s Aide with the Special Education Department of Northville Public Schools, retiring in 1988.  She also volunteered with St. Mary Hospital in Livonia for over 15 years. Sylvia enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, and cooking.  She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, which were always done in pen and rarely left unfinished.  She was a gracious hostess who had a flair for entertaining; each year she would host a party to celebrate Boxing Day.  Sylvia travelled extensively, often with or to see family.  She would frequently visit England, most recently Easter of last year and she visited China to see her son who was living there.  She was an avid soccer fan, whether she was cheering for the English Premier League or watching her grandchildren play.  Sylvia loved dogs; she adored her German Shepherds, Thames and Wembley.  A grand English Lady, she was a very prim and private person.  She loved her family dearly, and especially cherished her grandchildren. Sylvia is survived by her loving children, Gail (Gary) Callender, Sherry (Michael) Heilman, Les (Teena) Neal, Stella Neal, and Kennet (Christine) Neal; her sister Rita (Ian) Gibbons; and her grandchildren, Shane and Sarah Heilman, Cameron Hussey-Neal, and Gillian and Harrison Neal.  She was preceded in death by her parents and the father of her children Kenneth Neal. The visitation will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. with a funeral service at 3:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville. The family would appreciate memorial contributions to Michigan Humane Society, 30300 Telegraph Rd., Ste. 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 or American Heart Association, 27777 Franklin Rd., Southfield, MI 48034.