Obituary of Sylvia Anita Grant

Sylvia Anita Grant was welcomed to the gates of heaven on December 27, 2021. After 93 years of service to others, she can finally rest knowing her job is complete Born on September 28th 1928 in the parish of St. Michael, Barbados. Sylvia was the second of seven children, thus her life of service to others began as she helped to raise her younger siblings. While her mom went to work on the plantations, she would occasionally bring her lunch. As Sylvia saw the arduous physical labor being undertaken, she began to dream of something better. Never being able to achieve a higher level of education herself, Sylvia's one true wish was for her posterity to surpass her. While working as a maid in Christ church, Barbados she was alerted to the prospect of working for a family in the United States. In 1972 one of her toughest decisions was leaving her family in Barbados to pursue a better life. On a work visa she migrated to Sudbury, MA to work for the Smith family. In 1974 Sylvia started the process of sending for her family beginning with her youngest son. Thus one by one the rest of her children emigrated from Barbados, while her loving husband Astley Ambert Grant remained. In the early 1980's, Sylvia started working for the Lubin family in Newton, MA. As a live-in nanny she meticulously cared for the family and soon developed a relationship that exemplified love. They cared for her as she cared for them. Several decades later as her arthritis took its toll on her body, Sylvia retired but continued to cook meals and provide love and support for the family. Sylvia is predeceased by her husband, Astley Amberd Grant, her daughters Wilma Sandiford and Maria Headley. She is survived by her daughters, Ivy Elcock, Maureen (Harra) Massiah, Isolene Gay, Geoffrey Headley, Patrick (John) Headley as well as bounty of granchildren and a myriad of great granchildren. Special recognition to Adam and Stacey Smith as well as Emily and Katie Lubin. As the matriarch of her family, Sylvia was best known for cooking her Sunday meals and welcoming everybody. Sylvia would send whatever she could back to family and friends in Barbados. Sylvia loved: watching soap operas, western movies, horses, crossword puzzles, cooking, 90 day fiance, taking long drives and sharing with others. From simple beginnings in the cane fields of St. Michael to watching countless grand and great grand children graduate from college, Sylvia has made her impact on the world and serves as a reminder that one woman can change the world. If you give with a good heart, the Lord will bless you twice fold.