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Sylvia Ann Shipley Abeyta born 1923 died August 25, 2002 at the age of 79. She celebrated life with enthusiasm and gave her children art, archeology, a love of nature, an interest and appreciation for the richness of life's diversity, and a compassion for others. Sylvia's love of books and knowledge filled her life and enriched the lives of her children. During her life, she woke to each new day with wonder and the excitement of discovery. Sylvia spent the major part of her life in Gallup, NM. She fought for Hispanic and native American rights and was very involved in the NAACP. She was also active in the League of Women voters and scouting. She kept the Quaker light burning in Gallup. Sylvia was the adopted daughter of Eleanor Brownell and Alice Howland of Santa Fe. She is survived by one sister, Mary Shipley Guy; and six children, Tony, Elizabeth, Pablita, Tom, Benita, and Alice. Her daughter, Rose preceded her in death. She had 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. When her daughter, Rose, died, Sylvia continued to raise two of Rose's children, Jovanna and Lee. Sylvia was married to two New Mexico artist, William Warder and Narciso Abeyta. She loved clay and weaving and pinch-coiled pots until her death. Sylvia attended Westtown School in Pennsylvania. At the age of 65, Sylvia received her Associate of Arts Degree in Human Services from the University of New Mexico in Gallup. On a riverbank, with birds overhead and the promise of rain, her children celebrated her life with a family Quaker meeting.
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