Sylvia Wright

SYLVIA ANA WRIGHT

Sylvia Ana Wright, 79, died August 20, in Long Beach, California, with her sister Linda and close friend Chanita at her side.

She was born December 19, 1937, in Winona to Ward and Armella (Kulas) Wright.  Raised in Winona, she was a graduate of Cotter High School and the College of St. Teresa where she was on the dean's list.  Sylvia resided in California since the early 1980's, and at one time was enrolled in classes at the University of Long Beach.

Sylvia was an elementary school teacher for 30 years in Winona (St. Stan's) and St. Paul, MN: La Crosse, WI; and Wilmington and Long Beach, CA.  She and her sister Linda wrote Agri-School, a textbook for students in Minnesota, which won a national award.  At one time she was a tutor for children of entertainers The Grimm's, and traveled with them to Puerto Rico and many places in the U.S.

Sylvia taught dance in  Winona for 10 years, and dance and drama in after-school programs in St. Paul.  She once said that "dancing is my life."  A very creative person, she also had a great sense of humor and always a joke, quip or story to share.

Sylvia is survived by her sisters Ginny Kulig, Independence, WI, and Linda Wright, St. Paul, and by brothers Michael, Rockford, IL, and Phillip, Winona.  She is also survived by nephews and their families - Kevin (Kelli Rogers); Brian; and Shaun Kulig, Sydney and Layne; nephew/godchild  Jakob Wright and

James; Aaron (Jaqueline) Wright; Matthew (Heather) Wright and Chad; Master Sgt. Thomas (Heather) Wright and Julian, Sydney and Lilah; nieces Dr. Kimary Kulig (Omar Vargas) and Jimmie Rarick; and  special family friends Mary Ann Moore, Pat Winn, Kathlyn Wright and Barbara Blaskowski.

Sylvia is further survived by cousins Josephine Kiekhoefer, Betty Jean Przybylski, Wayne Kulas, Judy Fitzgerald, James Datta, Sally Stephens, and Diane Frazer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, and her Kulas, Kohner and Datta aunts and uncles; cousins David Kohner, Nancy Johnson and Rosemary Moga; her niece/godchild Kristin Kulig, and brother-in-law Al Kulig.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Sylvia's special friends--Dwayne Smith, wonderful neighbor, and Chanita Marks, caregiver extraordinaire--as well as all who helped her on her journey.  Sylvia had long talked about moving back to the Winona area and finally now she has.

Sylvia's Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, September 16, in the Chapel of Our Lady at Saint Anne Extended Healthcare, 1347 West Broadway, Winona, with Father Paul Breza, Sylvia's classmate, officiating.  Visitation will be at the Chapel one hour prior to Mass.  Lunch will be served after the services in the lower-level Gaudeamus Room.  Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Pine Creek, WI.

When we gaze up at the heavens, dear Sylvia, we'll picture you "Dancing With the Stars."  Fly high, feel the music, and forever dance free!

Online condolences may be left at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.