Sylvia C. (Fontaine) Chiras

Northbridge- Sylvia C. (Fontaine) Chiras, 86, of Highland St., passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 after a period of declining health.

         She is survived by 2 sons, Richard C. Chiras and his wife Marietta, and Alan A. Chiras; 1 granddaughter, Christina Chiras, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Clement Chiras Jr. in 1999; her son, David P. Chiras in 2007; 4 sisters, Theresa Calnan, Henrietta Forsythe, Cecelia Masterson, and Anita Hervieux.

         Born in the Manchaug section of Sutton on November 21, 1936, she was the daughter of Oliver and Olivine (Valcourt) Fontaine. Sylvia grew up in Manchaug and after her marriage to Clement in 1954 they moved to Northbridge where she has been a resident the past 68 years. Sylvia had worked for St. Camillus Nursing Home as a certified nursing assistant for 25 years, for the Milford VNA for 20 years, and previously for G.E. in Ashland making show and tells. 

         She was an advocate to the Northbridge School system and got a request granted that they teach students to swim in the 4th grade and also that they teach basic first aid classes in the 8thgrade. She was a frontrunner to have Law Chapter 766 passed in the Massachusetts congress, which guarantees the rights of all young people with special needs to an educational program best suited to their needs. She was fluent in French, English, sign language and brail.

         Services will be privately held at the convenience of her family. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: Operation Smile, 3641Faculty Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23453. To leave a condolence message for her family please visit: www.Jackmanfuneralhomes.com

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