Sybil Ann Southall

Sybil Ann (Gaudet) Southall, age 83, of Maynard, formerly of Carlisle, passed away on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Care One in Concord with her family by her side.

Born in Boston on March 22, 1939, daughter to the late Russell and Sybil (Duff) Gaudet. Raised and educated in Cambridge, Sybil attended Cambridge High and Latin and graduated in 1957.  After high school, Sybil married her former husband Donald on December 29, 1962, in Cambridge.  From there, the two settled in Carlisle where they raised a family.

Family was Sybil’s greatest joy in life. She dedicated herself to being a mother by creating a home for her family filled with love, consistency, and tradition.  She set the bar high for herself, she strove for perfection in everything she did, and she achieved it.  Sybil had a knack for decorating making a beautiful home for her children.  She enjoyed cooking, anything less than three home cooked meals a day was not an option.  No one could make London Broil and mashed potatoes taste like Sybil.  She was an avid gardener, the yard filled with beautiful flower beds, all thoughtfully designed.  Home grown vegetables often led to pickles and preserves, all along the way teaching her children and beginning new traditions.  Every year Sybil would carefully plan for the family’s annual Martha’s Vineyard summer vacation.  Trips to South Beach, Morning Glory Farm, and the Scottish Bakery were our routine, daily stops at Dairy Queen on the way back from the beach were a must. The days ended with a puzzle; the week ended with a trip to Murdick’s Fudge.

Sybil enjoyed tennis, cross country skiing, bridge, bird watching, luncheons with the ladies in town, and her beloved Red Sox.  She was quite crafty- beeswax candles, boxwood trees, and expertly decorated wreaths for Christmas. She enjoyed knitting in the evenings; her family stocked with gorgeous afghan blankets, and Emerson Hospital blessed with baby hats.

Sybil was always happy to lend a hand.  She signed up at every opportunity, volunteering for countless school and church activities.  She especially enjoyed the Garden Club and the First Religious Society.  She loved projects, always arriving with a paint brush or spade.

Sybil was the quintessential Grandmother, she enjoyed every moment with her two granddaughters, passing her wisdom and unconditional love on.  Sleepovers every Saturday, started with their favorite “hors d’oeuvres”, followed by working on their favorite craft or sharing with them one of her many hidden talents.  A carefully selected movie, a surprise home cooked dinner (an occasional trip to the 99 Restaurant)…they were pampered.  Sybil never missed a soccer game or gymnastic meet; all the parents knew Grammy. She was a loving, giving, anchor to her children and granddaughters.

Sybil is survived by her children; Todd Southall of Danvers; Erica Cannarozzi and her husband Samuel of Boxborough, and Gregory Southall of Maynard. She is also survived by her granddaughter Jacqueline and her fiancé Christopher Murphy, and her granddaughter Samantha. Sybil was predeceased by her parents, Russell and Sybil (Duff) Gaudet.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Sybil for a period of visitation on Monday, June 20, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Concord Funeral Home, 74 Belknap Street, Concord. A Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bedford First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, 75 Great Road, Bedford. Sybil will be laid to rest following the funeral service at 12:30 p.m. at Green Cemetery, Bedford Road, Carlisle.

Arrangements under the care of Glenn D. Burlamachi, Concord Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, Concord, MA.  To share a memory or offer a condolence visit: www.concordfuneral.com