Obituary: Sylvia Hillis Halgrimson

Sylvia Hillis Halgrimson passed away on Sept. 5, 2010, in Carson City. She was born Aug. 10, 1934, in Klamath Falls, Ore. She was a Nevada resident for more than 45 years.

She was a life-long teacher and educator. Sylvia spent more than 25 years with the Carson City School district with positions ranging from teaching middle school to director of a learning center as well as assistant principal at an elementary school.

She was a constant learner. While working as a bookkeeper, she graduated Cum Laude from Oregon College in Ashland. As a student, she was a proud member of the Kappa Delta Phi, Phi Kappa Phi and Delta Kappa Gamma International Society organizations. Throughout life, she enjoyed numerous personal and professional enrichment courses including cooking and computers. She was a member of the National Association for Gifted Children, Council for Exceptional Children, International Reading Association and a contributor to the Friends of the University of Nevada, Reno.

After retiring and between yoga classes in Carson City or camping around the West, she made time to become a loyal contributor to her community, state and country. Sylvia worked for the AARP as a task force lobbyist at the Nevada State Legislature and as an AARP volunteer for the Nevada State Legislative Committee. She was a proud member of the Eagles Auxiliary, Retired Public Employees Association, and Carson City's Republican Women's Club.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her husband Marty Halgrimson and parents George and Lillian Hillis of Klamath Falls. She is survived by her son Roger and his wife Raina; daughter Cynthia; stepson Duane; and many grand children and great-grand children.

Her family would like to express their special thanks to Dr. Peter Lim and to all her friends and family who assisted, supported and celebrated with her during her brief bout with cancer.

Sylvia Hillis Halgrimson was an accomplished teacher and educator. She was lively and active, and a cultured traveler. She was a concerned contributor to her community. But most importantly she was a great friend.