May Ann (Thatcher) Sykes, 89, of E. Freetown passed away January 20, 2017 at the Tremont Skilled Care Center. She was the widow of Everett Sykes, with whom she shared 57 years of marriage.
She had deep personal ties to Fairhaven, where she was raised and graduated from high school. Like her mother, Helen M. Thatcher, She was also a lifelong member of the Unitarian Memorial Church. She resided in Freetown for most of her life and helped to raise a family there with her husband Everett. She was the first in her family to attend post-secondary training, at Kinyon Campbell in New Bedford. A career Administrative Assistant, she was also a public servant, working for the Town of Freetown for many years as a bookkeeper and accountant.
She also enjoyed travel and in her spare time played the piano (for which she was quite good). A daily reader of the Standard Times, she always read any editorials or columns written by local youth, citing the importance of valuing what youth think and believe.
She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. She was a devoted mother, wife, and daughter to her own parents, grandparents, and in-laws. Although her given name was May Ann, to all who knew her, she was “Sue.” Her brother, Phil Thatcher, who predeceased her, gave her that nickname when they were children because of the Bunny Brown and His Sister Sue books.
Sue loved reading mystery novels (especially Mary Higgins Clark), gardening (always planted petunias in the front lawn flowerbed), sunsets, ice cream, salt water (especially Scusset Beach). She had many wonderful memories of her family’s summer cottage in Ellisville, MA which they called “Camp Hate to Quit It.” In her twilight years especially, Sue enjoyed watching sunsets at Popes Island with her husband Everett. She always took time to listen and understand, and most of all she taught her children through word and example, to love and serve others, be kind, forgiving, and compassionate. The world has been a kinder, better place for those who have known her. Sue’s endearing smile, wittiness, and kind spirit towards all close and afar will forever be remembered.
Sue is survived by her children – Linda Sykes, E. Freetown; Deborah (Sykes) Jones, E. Freetown; Steven J. Sykes and his wife Deborah A. (Ouellette), E. Granby, CT; David C. Sykes and his partner Tom O’Brien, Taunton; grandson Lt. Col. Jeffrey M. Sykes, USMC, and his wife Elizabeth; granddaughter Tracie Dubuque and her husband Don; four great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Sue was predeceased by her son-in-law William L. Jones.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverly Oaks Rd, Waltham, MA, or to a charity of your choice.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at the Unitarian Memorial Church, 102 Green Street, Fairhaven on Saturday, March 18, at 10:00 A.M. to remember Sue and Everett.