Sylvia Ball

Sylvia (Sears) Ball of Westborough passed into the arms of her Lord, surrounded by her loving family on June 10, 2026, after a period of declining health. Sylvia was born on February 13, 1933, in Plainfield, NJ. She is predeceased by her parents, Floyd and Hazel Sears and her brother Richard. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Nelson P. Ball. Sylvia was an amazing mother to Cathy Ball and her wife Wendy Bell of Arlington, MA, Amy Harned and her husband Dave Harned of Norwich, CT, Nancy Mullen and her husband Matthew of East Brookfield, MA, Jim Ball and his partner Spun of Westborough, MA and Dan Ball and his wife Cheryl of Sudbury, MA. Sylvia’s love extended to her grandchildren Matthew, Ryan, AJ, Katelynn, and Ava and her great grandchildren Raegan, Erin, Patrick, Delaney and Natalie. Sylvia also leaves behind her “adopted” grandchildren Bos and May.

Sylvia attended Upsala College where she met her husband Nelson in the choir. Sylvia was also a member of the marching band where she was the Drum Majorette. Sylvia had a very special connection to Stowe, Vermont where she enjoyed many summers during her youth and later during her adult years with her large extended family. Sylvia was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church in Westborough where she served on several committees including being the Church Lay Leader. Sylvia was active in many community activities including being a founding member of the Westborough Food Pantry and helped to start both the Westborough YWCA and the Fay Mountain Recreation Corporation.

Sylvia enjoyed camping with her family, traveling throughout the country and abroad and spending time in Orleans, MA. She was also an avid Bridge player, loved to entertain and play tennis. Sylvia was a talented Decorative Painter and a 25-year member of the Yankee Heritage Tole Painters. Sylvia’s artwork beautifully decorates her family’s homes.

Her family would like to extend our appreciation and love to Agatha Bleboo, Sylvia’s long-time caretaker and friend. Her family also is grateful for the wonderful care and concern provided by Gentiva Hospice.

Sylvia will be remembered for her generosity, her creativity, and the boundless love she gave to everyone around her.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday June 17, 2026, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home at 62 W Main St, Westborough, MA 01581. 

Funeral services will be held Thursday June 18, 2026, at 10 am at the First United Methodist Church, 120 W Main St, Westborough, MA 01581 with a reception after the service. A private interment will be held in the future.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations may be made in her memory to the Westborough Food Pantry at westboroughfoodpantry.org.