Sylvia M.L. Curtiss

Sylvia Montesa Lalisan Curtiss, 67, of Elkhart, was promoted to glory Friday, October 1, 2021.

She was born February 17, 1954, in Romblon, Romblon, Philippines to Bonifacio M. and Immaculata Montesa Lalisan.

Sylvia is survived by her husband, Rev. Joel P. Curtiss; three children, Andrea (Jeremi) Russell of Mishawaka, Nicole (Brian) Lambright of Goshen and David Canell, Jr. of  Urbana, Ohio; three stepsons, Jonathan Curtiss of Wyoming, Michigan, Paul (Melissa) Curtiss, of Oskaloosa, Iowa and Rev. Timothy (Tess) Curtiss of Ottumwa, Iowa; two grandchildren, David Curtiss of Ottumwa, Iowa and Madison Lambright of Goshen; seven siblings, Bonifacio Marlon Lalisan and Bernardita Muros, both of Romblon, Romblon, Memie Del Lena and Salyn Batacon, both of Olangapo City, Zambales; Jemma Lapara of Subic, Zambales, Emmalyn Barro of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro and Jocelyn Lalisan of Manila, Philippines; two brothers-in-law, Dr. Eugene Curtiss of Traverse City, Michigan and Lawrence (Jennifer) Curtiss of Bedford, Massachusetts; and many nieces, nephews and cousins in both the USA and the Philippines.

She attended Romblon Schools and received a high school diploma from Ramon Magasysay High School, Manila.  She also attended Lorraine Technical Institute, Ivy Tech College and North Central Michigan College.  Her studies included secretarial, nursing and liberal arts studies.

She was a dedicated pastor’s wife, mother, loving grandmother and an excellent cook.  She worked in healthcare, electronic manufacturing and children’s day care.  She loved being with her family, friends and church family.  She loved being outside, working in her garden and going for walks.

She immigrated to the USA in 1976 and became a naturalized citizen.  She retired from the Cardiovascular Unit of Northern Michigan Regional Hospital.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, David Canell, Sr., and two brothers.

Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 7, from 3 until the 4 p.m. funeral service at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Pastor Rick Donald, Sugar Grove Church, will officiate.

Cremation will follow the service and burial will be later at Greenwood Cemetery, Petoskey, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to World Missionary Press or Emmanuel Evangelical Church, Petoskey, Michigan.

An 11 a.m., memorial service will be held Saturday, October 16, 2021 at the Emmanuel Evangelical Church, 620 Emmet St., Petoskey, Michigan.  Pastor Mark Drinkall will officiate.

Inurnment will follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery.