Lisa Ferris Sylvester, 47, of Remsen, N.Y.

Lisa Ferris Sylvester, 47, of Remsen, N.Y., and formerly of Rhode Island, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, at Mohawk Valley Health Systems-St. Luke’s Campus, New Hartford, N.Y., following a courageous battle with Tuberous Sclerosis and LAM Disease.

Lisa was born on Aug. 31, 1970, in Hackensack, N.J., the daughter of John H. and Ann (Kauth) Ferris. She graduated from New Hartford High School, N.Y., and furthered her education at Roger Williams College in Bristol, R.I., where she received her bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology. On April 15, 1995, she was united in marriage with Mark E. Sylvester in Assonet, Mass.

For 22 years, Lisa was employed by the Department of Defense at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, R.I., as the head of the Special Security Program Office until ill health forced her early retirement. Lisa and Mark moved from Rhode Island to Hinckley Road in Remsen in 2015.

Lisa was an accomplished athlete. She was the catcher of the New Hartford varsity softball team. She especially excelled in soccer at New Hartford and was named M.V.P. while playing soccer at Roger Williams College. Lisa also enjoyed downhill skiing and swimming. She loved all animals, which included her dog, Nova, and her beloved canine companion, Sweet Pea.

Survivors besides her loving and devoted husband, Mark, include her parents, John and Ann Ferris, all of Remsen, N.Y.; one brother, Eli Ferris and his wife, Stacy Brunette of Maui, HI; her mother-in-law, Mae Sylvester of Bristol, R.I.; many aunts, uncles and cousins and two nephews. 

Lisa’s family will receive relatives and friends at the Autenrith Funeral Home, 7479 Main St., Newport, N.Y., on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 2 to 5 p.m.

The family extends their sincere appreciation for the highly competent and compassionate care provided by the doctors, nurses and staff in the ER and ICU departments at MVHS St. Luke’s Campus.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Stevens-Swan or Herkimer County Humane Societies. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home for both.

Online tributes at: www.autenrithfuneral.com