Sylvia D. Atwater

Sylvia Dawn (Hanson) Atwater, 84, a 30 year resident of Manchester and Vernon, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Manchester Memorial Hospital. She was born on October 11, 1933 in Cumberland Center, Maine daughter of the late Dr. Henry and Ruth Hanson. Sylvia was a graduate of Bates College, Lewiston Maine where she majored in Biology. Sylvia spent many years doing Medical research in Boston before she relocated to Connecticut. She was employed by many local Hospitals before staying at home to raise and care for her family. Later in Sylvia's life she enjoyed her work at the South Windsor Town Library and selling Avon Products. She was an avid cat lover and enjoyed cooking, gardening and photography. As a loving grandmother she provided daycare for her grandchildren. Sylvia is survived by her daughter and caregiver Tracy Gray of Vernon, her two sons; Stephen Atwater of New York City and Scott Atwater of Clinton, CT, her three loving grandchildren; Forrest Gray, Hayden Atwater and Colleen Atwater and her former son-in-law; Fred Gray of Norwich, NY, also many nieces & nephews in the Boston area. Funeral services are private. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the CT. Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111. Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, Manchester, has care of the arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com