Sylvia E. McPherson, age 78 of Wilmington Il, departed for her eternal heavenly home on May 22, 2026.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island on July 17, 1947, to Arnold and Hilda (Sodergren) Turnquist. Sylvia graduated from Ponaganset High School in 1965, and after which, she went on to work in the office of the family business, Turnquist Lumber Company. She met and married her husband Billy McPherson on July 16, 1968. She then followed her husband to Elwood, IL where they started their life and family together.

Sylvia is survived by her children, Wayne McPherson, Tricia (Jeff) Hodges; Phillip (Julia) McPherson, and Steven McPherson. Surviving are 8 grandchildren, Joseph, Kyle, Ryan, and Brittany Baker, Michael Burgett, Mason and Halana McPherson, Chase and Austin McPherson. She leaves behind 11 great grandchildren, her brother Douglas Turnquist, a sister Helen Besser and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband Billy, her parents, brothers Donald and Alfred, and a sister, Marilyn Belliveau.

Sylvia was employed at Sunny Hill Nursing Home for 27 years, alongside Wanda Stabler, whom has remained a good friend and support to Sylvia up until the time of her passing. In 2009, she was awarded the Gentle Touch Award for resident centered care. Sylvia worked in housekeeping, but she grew fond of the residents she spent her days around, bringing Christmas gifts to the residents who had no family to visit them.

Sylvia will always be remembered for her kindness and compassion to others. She was an animal lover and asked that her son take care of her "kitties" when she was gone. Such a selfless soul who loved her family with all she had. In the recent days before her passing, all of her family surrounded her to express their love and gratitude to a woman who remained tough through all she had went through. She was ready to go home with Jesus and to be reunited with those who passed before her. She spoke of getting to be with Billy once again, the man whose blue eyes had gotten her from the first day she met him. Together again, and never to part.

Visitation for Sylvia will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026 from 9:30 A.M. until her time of Service at 11:30 A.M. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Procession to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her dearest Billy, will immediately follow for a Committal Service at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sylvia's name to Will County Humane Society, whether online at https://www.willcountyhumane.com/donate/ or by mail to Will County Humane Society, Attn Donations , 24109 W. Seil Road, Shorewood, IL 60404 would be most appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.