Obituary for Sylvia Vance

Condolence From: Andrew Mills, Bexley, OH
Condolence: I arrived at Otterbein 8 years after Sylvia retired, but spent years chairing the Humanities Advisory Committee, the group charged to oversee the NEH funds that Sylvia was instrumental in securing for Otterbein. Through her efforts, scores of faculty and hundreds of students have benefitted. Books and articles have been published because of those NEH funds. Students have heard from leading humanities scholars from across the country and the world. Otterbein boasts a student-run journal in the humanities, and the rich tradition of the humanities is thriving at Otterbein because of Sylvia's work. My condolences to her family and close friends, and I hope they are comforted, if only in a small way, by knowing that her work at Otterbein lives on.

Condolence From: Dr. David Geary, Tijeras, New Mexico
Condolence: Dr. Sylvia Vance was my last surviving Otterbein professor. Small colleges have great professors who have incredible dedication to their subjects, talents and commitments to students. I am thankful that during my Otterbein years I had the good fortune to know professors who are now known as "legends." Dr. Vance is one of those.

Condolence From: BILL MACKE, COLUMBUS, OH
Condolence: Our condolences to the Vance family on the passing of Sylvia. She, (and Waid) were close friends with my parents, Wilma and Woodie Macke. They worked together, attended the same church and were regular visitors at each others homes. I remember Sylvia as a wonderful woman who spent many social hours with my Mom beginning in the mid 60's and throughout the many years that followed. We wish you all well and hope you know that she touched many lives in a very positive way.

Condolence From: Barbara Bidwell Gray Coombs, Hilliard, OH
Condolence: I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Vance in their profound loss. I knew Dr. Vance as a professor at Otterbein--she was one of my professors in history. She was an excellent teacher, and she made herself available to students if there were questions. Her knowledge of French history was incredible. I have often thought of her since I graduated from Otterbein because she left very much of an impression. As a teacher and person, she was an excellent role model.

Barbara Bidwell Gray Coombs, Class of 1982

Condolence From: Roger Neff, The Villages, FL
Condolence: Our sincere condolences to family and friends of Sylvia Vance. Sylvia was simply the best colleague one could ask for at Otterbein. She will be long remembered.
Roger and Betty Neff