WEST GARDINER – It is heartbreaking to announce the passing of Sylvia L. Clough early in the morning on May 31, 2024 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Vassalboro, Maine.

She was born in Gardiner on June 14, 1936, to Elliot and Hester (Jones) Reed. Sylvia lived in the Town of West Gardiner most of her life. She graduated from Gardiner High School in 1953, at the age of 16, and was a member of the Wayside Chapel in West Gardiner.

To say that she was “one tough lady” would be an immense understatement. She rebounded from several medical setbacks, including the early onset of MS. She was as vibrant as the day is long and loved all that nature had to offer. She spent many summer weekends vacationing at the family camp on Moosehead Lake, made two trips with friends and family to Alaska and hiked Mt. Katahdin five times. Loving an adventure, she never passed up a car/bus trip with her sisters and friends. They visited countless places in Maine and beyond. She was a crafter and turned her hand to painting, basket making, ceramics, among other hobbies and was always up for a good crossword puzzle. Some of her favorite things were bird watching, her husband’s Clydesdale horses, country fairs, writing and travel.

Sylvia was a beautiful, loving, kind, witty, insightful, honest, amazing woman. She was always willing to lend a hand to others. An angel on earth, who will be deeply missed.

She worked at Health-Tex, the State of Maine and the Maine Municipal Association. Once retired, she made it a point to volunteer as often as she could.

Sylvia was predeceased by her parents Elliot and Hester Reed; her husband, of 70 years, Donald I. Clough (January 2024); and son Scott Jay Clough. She is survived by her son Delbert Clough and wife Jane and her daughter Lana LaPlant-Ellis and her husband Cameron; sisters Ann Barry and husband Sonny and Joanne Maddox; as well as several nieces and nephews; and her cats Shadow and Lily.

Sylvia will be buried at the Clough Family Cemetery in West Gardiner.

We would like to thank Dr. Scott Shiff-Slater of Hallowell Family Practice for all the years of excellent care and all the staff at Androscoggin Hospice for their support and kindness. They made this journey a little easier. Sylvia’s love for animals included all creatures big and small. Over the years she was a loving “mom” to seven dogs and three cats. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Direct Cremation of Maine, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast, Maine.

Donations in her memory can be made to:

the Kennebec Valley Humane Society

168 Leighton Road

Augusta, ME 04330