Sylvia Lee (Harriman) Myshrall

PITTSTON – Sylvia Lee Harriman Myshrall, 81, died Thursday, June 27, 2024, at MGMC in Augusta, of heart disease. Despite the devastating complications of diabetes, she enjoyed a rich life centered around family and friends that she and her husband of 61 years, Daniel B. Myshrall, built together.

Sylvia was born March 27, 1943, in Gardiner, the second of three daughters of Keith and Thelma (Condon) Harriman. She graduated from Gardiner High School in 1961 and attended Gates Business School in Augusta. She married Daniel Myshrall, April 6, 1963, at Randolph United Methodist Church. They lived most of their lives together in Gardiner and Pittston, and briefly Florida and Arizona. They enjoyed many happy years traveling in their motor home and riding their Goldwing motorcycle. They also enjoyed attending antique car shows.

Sylvia held various jobs throughout her working life, but the work that was most meaningful to her was working with people with special needs as an educational technician for MSAD 11. She and Daniel also opened their home to become foster parents. Sylvia worked as a job coach for people with disabilities for several years. She was an avid reader, and proud of the work she did for Lithgow Library in Augusta, as their first outreach librarian, taking large print books and other materials to home-bound people.

Sylvia was trained as a soprano vocalist and sang at many community functions in her youth. She taught her children to sing; music has always been a centerpiece of family life. Sylvia also served her local community, serving on the MSAD 11 School Board, local PTAs, church and civic groups, and as secretary to the Pittston Select Board, and a ballot clerk for the town. She was also a devoted animal lover and gave a loving home to many dogs and cats over the years.

Sylvia was predeceased by her parents; her older sister, Sandra Woodward; and her only son, Daniel B. Myshrall, Jr., who died in 2014.

Sylvia is survived by her devoted husband, Daniel Myshrall, who was holding her hand as she passed; and her younger sister, Betty Turner and husband, Lee. She is also survived by her four daughters, Gay Grant and husband, Ron, Bonny Saxon and husband, Wayne, Mary Myshrall and partner, Kathie Bland, Jennifer Winchester and husband, Jess, and daughter-in-law, Jean Kasiola Myshrall Nolon and husband, Bob. She is also survived by her much-adored 12 grandchildren, Aaron Grant, Matthew Myshrall, Melody Santos, Megan Myshrall, Rachel Lucarelli, Kristen Howe, Victoria Saxon, Cody Saxon, Joshua Austin, Sadie Greenland, Alec Allain, Emily Saxon, and “adopted” granddaughter, Rhiannon Ludder; as well as 17n great-grandchildren; and many extended family and friends.

At her request, in lieu of a funeral, the family will host a party to celebrate Sylvia’s life at our annual Fourth of July celebration at the Grant home, 77 Riverview Drive, South Gardiner this Thursday, July 4, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Friends are encouraged to join us and bring a dish and a story to share. A graveside service will take place on Friday, July 5, at 10 a.m., at Oak Grove Cemetery in Gardiner.

Arrangements and guidance are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com

Donations in her honor can be made to

Gardiner Public Library,

152 Water St.,

Gardiner, ME 04345 or

Kennebec Valley Humane Society,

168 Leighton Rd.,

Augusta, ME 04330