Tsuruko Funakoshi Sylvester, better known as Suki, daughter of Shoken and Kamede Funakoshi. She passed away by pancreatic cancer at the age of 87 on March 9, 2023 at her home surrounded by her immediate family. She was born in Okinawa, Japan on August 10th, 1935, the oldest daughter who was raised with her brothers and sisters. She was married in 1961, she then moved to Williamstown, MA. In addition to residing in Massachusetts, she had also resided in both Virginia and North Carolina. Suki was a petite woman who loved quilting, baking, gardening, and the Boston Celtics. Most of all, Suki loved taking care of and spending time with her family. Even in her 80’s, she traveled by herself to both Okinawa and New York to spend time with family members. She is survived with her husband of 61 years, George Sylvester, her daughter Jean Rheingold & her husband Ron of Rockville Centre, NY, her son Joseph Sylvester & wife Michelle of Pittsfield, MA, and grandchildren Connor Sylvester, Dylan Rose Rheingold and Jade Harumi Rheingold.
Suki graduated from North Adams Home Health Aide Program, she then went on to work with the North Adams Nurses Association and also in a private practice. She became a U.S. Citizen on October 4th, 1989.
A small family service will be held at Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice Care of the Berkshires at 877 South Street, Pittsfield MA 01201.