Sylvia J Umber

Sylvia Umber, 78, Bismarck, died September 25, 2011, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center, Bismarck. Services will be held at 11:00 am CDT, Saturday, October 1, 2011, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with Rev. Walter Schott officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm Friday, September 30, at Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Sylvia was born October 8, 1932, in Bismarck, ND. She lived with her parents, Si and Rose Umber on a farm west of Selfridge. At the age of 12, Sylvia became a resident of Grafton State School because of her intense desire to learn to read and write 1944 – 1971. In 1971, she was released from Grafton to the Opportunity Training Center in Grand Forks, ND, where she was in training for three years and lived in foster care. She was employed at the Mexican Village until she returned home in 1974. Sylvia was affiliated with Pride, Inc. starting in 1978, and became a resident at Acadia Group Home, Dakota Group Home, Capital Group Home and Gateway Group Home. While living at the group homes, she was employed through Pride, the ND State Lab, and the State Capitol. She retired in 1987. Sylvia was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir for eight years, was a church greeter for three years and an active participant in Circle and Bible Studies. For eight years she was active in the water fitness program at the YMCA-"The Live Wires." She also participated in Special Olympics and won many awards. Following retirement, she was involved in the day care program at MSLCC for 14 years, as well as a senior program through Pride. Sylvia enjoyed playing the piano, embroidering and collecting bears. On December 23, 2004, she became a resident of Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center. Sylvia was a very outgoing person, having many friends and always anxious to meet new people. She loved the holidays, being able to share with family and friends. She had a deep, abiding faith in the Lord. Sylvia is survived by her brother, Frank Marilyn Umber, McIntosh, SD; her sisters, Shirley Dillman, Walker, SD, and Lola Walter Schott, Mandan, ND. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Silas J. Umber Jr.; sister, Selma Dutton; two sisters in childhood, Josephine and Dora and an infant brother. Memorials may be given to Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center, Trinity Lutheran Church, Pride, Inc., or charity of donor's choice.

Sylvia J Umber

October 8, 1932 - September 25, 2011