TRAVERSE CITY — Sylvia C. Besaw, 75, of Traverse City, passed away on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, at Grand Traverse Pavilions. Sylvia was born on April 25, 1935, in Traverse City, to the late Otto and Ila Olson. Sylvia earned her Licensed Practical Nurse's degree from Northwestern Michigan College. She helped countless patients at Munson Medical Center and Birchwood Nursing Home throughout her long career as a nurse. In her spare time she enjoyed shopping on QVC, creating delicious meals for her family and traveling the country with her husband in their motor home. She also had a flair for decorating. She will be missed greatly by her friends and family. Sylvia is survived by her daughter, Kristie Hart; and her husband, Gordon Besaw. They married on March 26, 1988, and shared 22 wonderful years together. She is also survived by her brother, Jerry (Maxine) Olson; sister-in-law, Betty Olson; sister-in-law, Roxie Olson; and by Gordon's children, Jerry (Ellen) Besaw, Susan (Jim) Gibson and Scott (Cheryl) Besaw; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Sylvia was predeceased by two husbands, Vern Howard Hart and Glenn Parker; brother, Ray Olson; sister, Hazel (Ed) Broomhead; and brother, Rich Olson. The funeral celebrating Sylvia's life will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The Rev. Ron White will lead the service. Graveside services will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Sylvia's name to Hospice of Michigan or to Grand Traverse Pavilions. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.