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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Obituaries
The Gazette publishes obituaries on a daily basis. Use the search field above to search for obituaries by name or keyword. Readers can submit an obituary or submit a milestone to The Gazette. The obituary must be submitted before 1 p.m. for publication online and in the newspaper the next day, with the exception of obituaries for Sunday publication, which must be submitted by 1 p.m. on Fridays.
Sylvia R. Malake
SYLVIA R. MALAKE
Marion
Sylvia R. Malake, 85, beloved wife, mother and grandmother was carried home to heaven Thursday, March 17, 2022. In agreement to her wishes, cremation has taken place.
No funeral is planned but a visitation with family will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 20, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.
Sylvia was born July 2, 1936, the youngest of three children born to Howard and Margaret Seeks. She graduated from Marion High School Class of 1954. She married Jim J. Malake in Marion on Dec. 14, 1956.
Survivors loving left to remember her include her husband; her daughter, Debra Gelski (Kevin); Wayne Malake (Bridget); grandson, Travis Malake; granddaughter, Elizabeth (Ben); and one great-granddaughter, Arty; and another great-grandchild expected in August. Other loved ones include her in-laws, Bob and Donna Malake; nieces and nephews; cousins; and her very best friend, Marlene.
Unique to "Sylv," as she was affectionally known by many, lived in Marion on the same block in two different homes nearly all of her life. After high school she worked briefly for the then Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Marion as a telephone operator. Then a short time at then Collins Radio. She retired from work after 20-plus years working for Marion Independent School District hot lunch program retiring as the head cook at Vernon Middle School in 1992. After retirement, she spent the next 20 years taking great pleasure as a volunteer early Wednesday mornings cleaning the office of the then Aid to Women, now known as Bridgehaven also volunteering at the Treasures resale shop where she made many new wonderful friends.
Sylvia had a deep faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and when still possible attended Faith Bible Church where she worshipped, sang in the choir and enjoyed fellowship with others there.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Shirley; her brother, Russ; and two infant sons, William and Craig, whom both passed away soon after birth.
Sylvia's family graciously thanks the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha, for the excellent care provided to both Sylvia and her family this past week.
Sylvia was a kind and gentle soul always trying to reach out to others with a smile and a hug. She was the best wife, mother, and grandmother, forever missed forever loved.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to bridgehavencr.org in memory of Sylvia.
