Sylvia Chiappone Sylvia Marie (Lanini) Chiappone, long-time resident of San Ardo, California, passed away on May 13, 2026. She was 92 and died after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. It may have won her memories, but never her spirit. Sylvia was born on January 17, 1934, in Salinas, California. Her parents, Louis and Clementina Lanini, were both of Swiss heritage; Louis was born in Novato, California, and Clementina immigrated from Switzerland. Sylvia, the youngest of five, grew up on a ranch surrounded by artichokes, broccoli, and the Pacific Ocean breeze. She attended Saint Mary's Grade School, Salinas High School, and graduated from Hartnell College. Sylvia loved church functions, community dances, and had a knack for playful humor. Flirting and good-natured ribbing were 2 of her best skills. She worked as a secretary at Hartnell College, for a county court judge (where she loved knowing who was caught speeding), and later at the San Ardo Library.

She met her husband, Hugo, by becoming a pen pal for soldiers stationed in Japan. He was a local boy from San Ardo, and he wooed her with his elegant love letters and bright smile. He quickly won her over. After a few years of writing, they met in person and realized their love was real. She kept his letters wrapped in ribbons and cherished them her whole life. They married on August 10, 1956, and started their life together in a little yellow house in San Ardo. Their first son, Dennis James, died after just a month, a heartbreaking loss, but in 1959, their second son, David, was born. The family soon moved to a larger home next to Hugo’s mother and painted it yellow for good luck.

In 1964, their daughter Deborah (Partida) was born, and their family was complete. They thrived in San Ardo, and their home on Godchaux Road became a hub for gatherings—filled with BBQs, scouting, sleepovers, baking, and crafting. Favorite trips included the Redwoods, the Bay Area, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Disneyland, where Sylvia would sew matching shirts, and Hugo would drive the six-hour trek while the kids slept in the back seat. Memories of these trips were the simple joys Sylvia cherished.

Debbie married first and, with Carlos, adopted Chelsey—Sylvia and Hugo’s first grandbaby. Later, David married Teresa, and they had John and Katelyn. Family meant everything, and she adored being a Grandma. Toys and puzzles and Disney movies—pushing strollers through the park and watching the children grow.

Once Hugo retired from Texaco, they traveled extensively, cherishing trips to Italy and Switzerland, especially with the Silver Kings and Queens. Sylvia made many friends and loved recounting their travel escapades. With her gregarious spirit, she was a true social butterfly with a fabulous sense of humor. She poked fun at everyone just to bring them a smile. She opened her home to anyone who needed a chat and a cup of coffee. She had a large circle of girlfriends who filled her life with fun and friendly gossip.

Besides enjoying BBQs, BINGO, and parties, she had a close relationship with ice cream and Honey Nut Cheerios. Sylvia was notorious for not liking many foods, especially those that did not contain sugar or were not covered in caramel sauce. She liked eggs only if they were boiled, but they needed to be warm, never cold. She had to have the crispy Turkey skin at Thanksgiving. She ate Tacos with just meat and cheese, and salami sandwiches with no cheese. Never mayo or mustard—ever. She discovered she liked mushrooms later in life, but only sautéed. Sylvia liked steaks that could still moo. She wasn’t an adventurous cook, but she was an extremely good baker! Her scone recipe was coveted by many, and her cookies never lasted long in the jar. Her favorite party at Christmas was the cookie exchange, and the best gift was chocolate-covered cherries.

Sadly, Debbie passed away in 1999, and then Hugo in 2015, leaving Sylvia with deep grief. After Hugo's passing, Sylvia left her yellow house and moved to Granite Bay, where David and Teresa took care of her, and where she made many new friends. Sylvia was loyal and loving, and if you were her friend, she cherished the time you spent together.

Sylvia returns to her parents, Louis and Clementina, her siblings Edwin (Barbara), Agatha, Irene (Richard), and Leo, and her children, Dennis and Debbie. She leaves behind her son, David (Teresa); grandson, John Chiappone; granddaughters, Chelsey Partida and Katelyn Chiappone; and 3 great-grandchildren: Jeremiah, Jocelyn, and Jazzerae. She also leaves her beloved son-inlaw, Carlos Partida, and sisters-in-law, Brenda Chiappone and Barbara Tom, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear sweet friends.

The next time you find yourself with a glass of your favorite spirits or a spoon of vanilla ice cream, remember our sweet, joyful, funny, loving Sylvia.

SERVICE INFORMATION

A Visitation honoring Sylvia will be held from 10:00 a.m. to Noon, May 23, 2026, at Eddington Funeral Services Chapel, 429 Bassett Street, King City.

A Graveside Service will immediately follow at King City Cemetery.

Donations can be made in Sylvia’s honor to the Alzheimer's Association or to your favorite charity.

For additional information, please contact Eddington Funeral Services, (831) 385-5400. www.EFS-Cares.com .

The family wishes to thank all the wonderful nurses from Sutter Care Hospice and the kind staff at Eskaton Village Roseville for their loving care of Sylvia.