Sylvia McNamara

Sylvia McNamara, age 84, of Visalia, CA, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025.

As the Matriarch of her family, she provided love, support and wisdom to all who sought her council. She had over 40 years of sobriety and it meant so much to her to sponsor many AA members over the years.

After graduating from East Bakersfield High, Sylvia began her 30 year career at Pac Bell as an operator and advanced to positions in installations and marketing. Sylvia excelled in her studies in electricity and remarkably, she was one of the first women lineworkers in California in the 1970's.

Sylvia had an active lifestyle which included impressive bowling scores for over 4 decades. She also loved walking at the beach, riding her bike and working in her garden.

Sylvia cared deeply about her community and was a supporter of many humanitarian causes, including the UFW, and the ACLU.

Sylvia was Born July 14,1941 in Bakersfield, California to Louise and Pascual Reyes.
She is survived by her partner of 35 years, Bernard, brother Kenneth, 3 children Karen, Craig and Eric, and grandchildren Kala, Carmen and Roberto.

Sylvia will be remembered as caring, generous and loving by her family and friends.

No services are planned, but the family respectfully requests that any gifts in remembrance of Sylvia be made to the UFW or the ACLU.

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