Sylvia Yianaridis

We must share with deepest sadness that our beautiful, caring, and talented
mother, Sylvia Yianaridis, went to be with her beloved Savior on January 8th.
Our mother tragically lost her life while saving one and attempting to save
another in a devastating house fire. Sylvia was born in Brunswick, Georgia,
to Hans and Mary Hautala on May 15th, 1958. She is the youngest of 3
daughters and is survived by her elder sisters, Shirley and Mary
Helen. She grew up in Brunswick, graduated from Brunswick High, majored
in English in college, and spent 4 years in the Air Force during which time she
was honored with an Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal,
Longevity Service Award Ribbon, and a Training Ribbon. She married
and had three children: Claire, Synthia, and Hans. She is survived by her
children, their spouses, her six grandchildren, and the love of her life, John.
She was a singer, songwriter, poet, ally to persecuted Christians, a true
caregiver, and an incredibly hard worker. After extensive training as a
nutritionist and CNA, she took care of her beloved mother, father, her
Uncle Bill, and her 96-year-old neighbor, Mr.Jim, towards the end of their
lives. She died trying to save Mr. Jim, who, like her
father and Uncle Bill, served in the Armed Forces (Army Air Corp) and neither
of them would ever leave a man behind.They lived by the Lord’s
standard of love: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down
his life for his friends” John 15:13 (KJV). Her funeral was recorded and can be
viewed on Youtube (https://youtu.be/1BJXUcZ6cP0 channel name: Sylvias
Funeral). Her earthly body was laid to rest on Jan. 31st, 2021 at Laurel Hills
Memory Gardens in Hiawassee. Sylvia not only taught about God’s love but
demonstrated it as well throughout her whole life. Her children would say of
her, "She was always there for us, she cared for us, and she loved us with her
whole heart." Her husband, John, speaks of her big and generous heart :
"She was always rendering aid to those less fortunate." She was a true example
of the Proverbs 31 woman: "She looketh well to the ways of her household,
and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her
blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her" Proverbs 31:27-28 (KJV).
This obituary is written by her children and husband with much love.

In lieu of flowers, emails and condolences may be shared directly with the family at this email address:
letterstosylandfam@gmail.com