Sylvia Jane Thomas McAleavy, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 79. She was born on May 18, 1946, in Findlay, Ohio, to Herbert and Elizabeth Thomas.
Sylvia grew up in a very musical family, performing with her sisters in a quartet. Throughout her life, she became an accomplished pianist and organist. She was a graduate of Lima Senior High School, where she was a cheerleader, played the flute in concert and marching bands, and served as President of Cygnets, a synchronized swimming group. Sylvia continued her education at The Ohio State University, earning her Bachelor’s degree. At OSU, she was President of the Tri Delta collegiate sorority and the first person to serve two consecutive terms as a National Field Secretary for the sorority. Her leadership extended to the “Block O” cheer section at OSU, where she was instrumental in relocating the section to a strategic position in the Horseshoe Stadium to cheer on her beloved Buckeye football team.
In 1971, Sylvia met Tom McAleavy, and they were married at the Air Force Academy Chapel on July 14, 1973, recently celebrating 52 wonderful years together. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Sylvia and Tom made their homes in Colorado, Ohio, Maryland, Texas, Utah, and finally Arizona. They were blessed with three children: Heather Elizabeth (Berkeley), Sean Thomas (Lyssa), and Kristen Jane (Kelly), and 13 grandchildren, all of whom she cherished as their number one supporter at their events and activities.
A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Sylvia found immense joy in serving in various callings, including three service and military relations missions alongside her husband. She frequently served as the Ward organist and Primary Pianist throughout her life. She particularly loved her Stake & Ward callings leading Young Women and Primary.
Sylvia was a proud American and a strong supporter of the armed forces. She was a true leader and gifted teacher, embodying strong will, determination, and an ability to influence others. Sylvia was spirited in all she did and always touched everyone she encountered, never meeting a stranger. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome and special. Known to many as a passionate, loyal, and diehard Ohio State Buckeye fan, her enthusiasm was infectious.
Sylvia was also deeply blessed with a large extended family, including her three sisters, Carol Miller (Steve), Joyce Bulger, and Gloria Rowell (Bill), six nieces and nephews, cousins, and many “adoptive” family members, including foster children and sponsoring midshipmen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Elizabeth Thomas.
The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley for the tremendous care Sylvia received in the final weeks of her life.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 9:30 -11:00 am PST, followed by a memorial service at 11:30 am PST at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 8161 S Power Rd, Queen Creek. All are invited to attend.
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