SOUTH BURLINGTON - Sylvia Jarvis Smith of Mayfair Park in South Burlington died peacefully on Dec. 27, 2009, at Pillsbury Manor North at the celebrated age of 95 1/2 , following a debilitating fall in her home this past October.Mrs. Smith was born on June 29, 1914, in Barre, the daughter of Dr. DeForrest Clinton Jarvis and Pearl Macomber Jarvis. She attended public schools in Barre. After graduating from Spaulding High School, Sylvia studied psychology and Latin at the University of Vermont and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. She earned a master's degree in Latin from Columbia University in New York City.Sylvia began teaching Latin and music in the Barton school system and completed her career teaching Latin at Champlain Valley Union High School in Hinesburg. She remained close to Vermont's educational community as a language consultant for the Vermont National Education Association and the Vermont Retired Teachers Association.Sylvia was also an avid bridge player for most of her life and developed numerous acquaintances while pursing that hobby. Sylvia enjoyed engaging others in spirited conversation and never hesitated to offer suggestions or otherwise critique the ideas and thoughts of those visiting with her.Sylvia's commitment to community service is reflected by her volunteer work in a variety of organizations, a few of which were the Chittenden County Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse, the Governor's Alcohol & Drug Abuse Advisory Board, the Vermont Chronic Disease and Nutrition Coalition, the Champlain Valley Regional Planning Council, Friends of the Fleming Museum, the Chittenden County Historical Society, the Vermont Music Association, and the Green Mountain Folklore Society.She was a trustee of the South Burlington Community Library, served on the executive committee of the UVM Alumni Association, and was the vice chair of the AARP State Legislative Committee. In addition, she started the Elder Education Enrichment Group, an organization dedicated to continuing education for elders. For her work with elders she was selected as the "Woman of the Year" by the Older Women's League.Sylvia's father, Dr. D. C. Jarvis, was a major influence in her life. She attributes her many years of good health to his guidance. She was immensely proud that his best selling books of practical medicine theory, "Folk Medicine" and "Arthritis and Folk Medicine," continue to be popular and have been translated into several foreign languages. Sylvia was fond of telling how 'Papa's' books advanced his theories of the usefulness of folk medicine and recognized the potential value of home remedies, especially his combination of honey and apple cider vinegar. Sylvia also attributed her life-long love of music to the lessons and example from her father. She was grateful he encouraged her to live life to the fullest and to try new ventures at a time when opportunities for women were more restricted. When listening to Sylvia talk about her father, it was clear she adored him.Sylvia was predeceased by her parents, her husband Fred Smith, her son Jarvis Fred (Jeff) Smith, and her daughter-in-law Denise Jacques Smith. Memorial contributions may be made in Sylvia's name to the Vermont Historical Society, 60 Washington Street, Barre, VT 05641. Arrangements are in the care of Corbin & Palmer Funeral Home, 71 South Union Street, Burlington, VT 05401.