Sylvia Ann Tovar

Albany- Sylvia Ann Tovar was born on April 27, 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Jose Bentancourt Gonzales and Alice Marie Tovar. All through her life she was a wandering gypsy and traveled around the United States. She mostly would keep west of the Mississippi and anywhere she could camp, gold mine, or just simply enjoy the outdoors under the stars and campfire.  Sylvia had many talents, but she could best be described as a “Jane of all trades” and master of some we do not talk about! Drawing, jewelry making, crocheting, gardening, gold panning, camping, hiking, searching for Sasquatch, rock collecting, reading James Patterson novels, along with traveling everywhere on the spur of the moment were just a few of the things she loved to do. She truly embraced life and had her own adventures.  She loved and embraced her Native American heritage and instilled the spirit of her ancestors in all her children, grandchildren, and extended family, always ready to share her knowledge. As she traveled all around the country, she developed long distance and everlasting relationships. If you were one of her friends, then you became Sylvia’s family. The abundance of friends would call her Mom, Sister, Auntie, Grandma or Nana.  On May 11, 2020 Sylvia passes away at age 70 in Albany, Oregon. She had a warrior’s spirit which made her an amazingly resilient woman who experienced a unique life of excitement, heartache, wonder and unimaginable adventures- only those who knew her best could explain. She will be missed greatly.  Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents Alice and Jose, her son Josh, as well as, her siblings Geronimo and Rosalinda. Sylvia is survived by Tony Federspiel the love of her life and father of her children Tamara Federspiel, Roberta Manley, and Faith Federspiel;  grandchildren, Tera, Jeannette, Scott, Tiffany, Bill-E, Samantha, Bruce, Emily, Elijah; 5 great grand-daughters and 10 great-grandsons; siblings,  Mary Rose, Jack, Kneeland, Elliott, John and Theresa.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Sylvia’s name to the National Park Conservation Association online at https://www.npca.org/give/more-ways-to-give or by mail to National Parks Conservation Association, Attn: Membership Department, 777 6th Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20001  If you would like to send cards to the family, they can be sent to: Weddle Funeral Service C/O Tovar Family 1777 N. Third Ave. Stayton, OR 97383