Sylvia A. Pfeister, 76, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at Ascension Saint Vincent Hospital in Evansville, Indiana, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on September 8, 1944, in Dubois County, Indiana, the oldest of nine children born to Marcus “Mark” Matheis and Marcella “Sally” (Merkel) Matheis. Sylvia treasured that she was born on her mother’s twentieth birthday. She married James “Jim” Pfeister on July 25, 1964, and he survives.
Sylvia was the Salutatorian of her high school graduating class. She went on to earn two Associate Degrees from Wabash Valley College and was employed for fifteen years as a school secretary. Sylvia served as an Election Judge for more than twenty years. She was a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church and the Daughters of Isabella. Sylvia had a love of butterflies. She was known by her family and friends as the butterfly queen and proudly displayed butterflies of all kinds throughout her home. She enjoyed traveling the world with her husband. They traveled all over Europe and especially enjoyed Paris. Sylvia loved her family dearly and her grandchildren held a very special place in her heart. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Sylvia leaves behind her loving husband of almost fifty-seven years, Jim; one son, Steven Pfeister and wife, Nancee; three daughters, Linda Pfeister, Jane Pfeister, Suzanne Murrie and husband, Dan; two grandchildren, Sally Murrie and Mack Murrie who was born just last week; brothers, Tim (Christine) Matheis, Eddie (Karla) Matheis; sisters, Cyrilla Matheis, Andrea (Charlie) Shepard, Christine Russell, Anna Knight, Rosie (Dan) Collins; many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Brad Matheis.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 7, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Robert Zwilling Officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Family and friends may gather for a visitation from 2:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m., Sunday, June 6, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with a Rosary starting at 4:00 p.m.
Please follow the current CDC guidelines while attending Visitation and Mass.
Memorial contributions may be made in Sylvia’s memory to Wabash Area Development (WADI) or St. Mary’s Catholic School and will be accepted at the Church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 N Cherry St. Mt. Carmel, IL 62863
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Sylvia’s tribute wall, leave condolences and purchase flowers for the Pfeister family, please visit www.KeepesFuneralHome.com.
