Sylvia Jeanne Cochran, a cherished soul known for her loving and kind nature, left this world at the age of 101 on September 3, 2024, at the Keosauqua Healthcare Center. Born on a crisp autumn day, November 27, 1922, in Mount Sterling, IA. Sylvia was the daughter of Glenn and Gussie Burns Cochran. She blossomed amidst the serene landscapes of her birthplace, carrying the beauty of Mount Sterling in her heart throughout her life.
Sylvia’s formative years were spent in the close-knit community of Mount Sterling, where she attended Indian Creek and Mount Sterling Schools. Embracing the value of education, she and her sister furthered their studies at Southeastern Community College in Burlington, where Sylvia earned a degree in Laboratory Technology. Her academic achievements led her to a fulfilling career at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis, MO, and later at Fort Madison Community Hospital, from which she retired in 1983.
Retirement brought Sylvia from her beloved Mount Sterling to rural Bonaparte. Here, she cultivated a life rich with the joys of nature and family. Her bond with her sister Dorothy was a testament to unwavering sisterly love, as they became inseparable companions in their golden years. Sylvia’s presence was a staple at her nieces’ and nephews’ school activities. Her ability to remember each family member’s name and birthday, even in her later years, was a testament to her attentive and loving heart.
Sylvia’s passion for the natural world was evident in her love for wildlife, plants, and birds. She found delight in hunting for rocks and arrowheads, a hobby that spoke to her adventurous spirit. Sylvia was an avid book reader, and crosswords puzzles provided a welcome challenge. Children of all ages loved spending time with Sylvia, revealing her nurturing soul.
A former member of the Mount Sterling United Methodist Church, Sylvia’s faith was a quiet strength that guided her through life. Her independent nature was matched only by her innate desire to care for others. Those who knew Sylvia saw in her the embodiment of a caregiver with a heart of gold.
Sylvia’s legacy lives on through her loving nieces and nephews: Robert McDavid (Vicki) of Bonaparte, IA, Mary Fett of Bonaparte, IA, Lorna Cuemo (Primo D.) of Florida, Jim Cochran (Marty D.) of Hutchinson, KS, Emmett Cochran (Mary D.) of Memphis, MO, Michael Cochran (Joy) of Memphis, MO, Beth Cochran of Los Altos, CA, Randy Cochran (Brenda) of Farmington, IA, Ben Gilbert (Karen D.) of Bellevue, NE, Susan Krouse (Joe D.) of Farmington, IA, John Cochran (Mary Lou) of Burlington, IA, Michaelene Cochran of Memphis, MO, and Linda Cochran of Memphis, MO. Her memory is also cherished by many great-nieces and nephews, as well as countless friends whose lives she touched.
Preceding Sylvia in death were her parents, her devoted sisters, Helen Watkins and Dorothy McDavid (Tom), and her brothers, Robert Cochran (Helen), John Cochran (Edna), and Hollis Cochran. She was also predeceased by nieces and nephews, Steven McDavid, Sandra Cochran, Roger Cochran, Lonnie Cochran, David Cochran, Samuel Todd, and Alden Todd.
Sylvia Jeanne Cochran’s journey on this earth may have concluded, but her memory will be held in the hearts of many, a beacon of love and kindness that continues to shine. Her life will be celebrated with a funeral service on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 11:00am at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Keosauqua, IA. The service will be officiated by Larry Shipley, followed by burial in Harness Cemetery in Mount Sterling, where she will rest among the landscapes she adored. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service on Saturday from 10:00am to 11:00am. In Lieu of flowers memorial may be made in Sylvia’s honor to Harness Cemetery may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the family at P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends and loved ones may share their condolences and cherished memories of Sylvia online at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com
