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Sylvia Ann (Taddei) Conway, 72, of Gallitzin, passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born Oct. 10, 1952, at the former Mercy Hospital in Altoona. She was the daughter of the late Pasquale and Lucy (Buccella) Taddei.
Sylvia is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Richard Anthony Conway; her beloved children, Christa (Michael) Stipanovich and Craig Conway; her cherished grandchildren: Devon Conway and Ethan, Ryan, Loren and Megyn Stipanovich. She is also survived by her sister, Rita (Jack) Nagl; brother, Bernard (Rose) Taddei; cousins: Anthony and Michael Taddei and Patrick Mulhern; brother-in-law, John Radomsky; "sister," Mary "Bubzie" (Joe) Malcotti; her Conway family and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her sister, Christine (Taddei) Radomsky.
Sylvia retired from the Penn Cambria School District, where she dedicated 34 years as a fifth grade teacher at Penn Cambria Middle School. Her passion for education and her unwavering commitment to her students made a lasting impact on countless young lives.
A true force of nature, Sylvia was deeply involved in her community. In addition to helping run the family business, Taddei's Cookies & Catering, since 1991, she served on the Gallitzin Borough Council in many roles over the past 25 years, including president and vice president. She was active on the borough's Parks & Recreation, Personnel, Finance and Library committees, as well as the Gallitzin Water Authority.
A devout Catholic, Sylvia was a faithful member of St. Demetrius Roman Catholic Church. She was also affiliated with the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees and a past member of the Gallitzin Italian Club.
Although Sylvia's husband Rick will continue to operate Taddei's, her Italian cooking, especially her famous chicken cutlets, will be missed, as well as her beautiful and encouraging smile. Sylvia enjoyed attending her grandchildren's activities, sports of any kind, "scratchers," and visits to the casino. She loved her family and treasured the tradition of being together for Sunday dinner.
Sylvia fought a very courageous 12-year battle against metastatic breast cancer with grace, strength, determination and strong faith. Throughout her journey, Sylvia found comfort and care from her extended health care family, including Dr. Vikram Gorantla and Hannah Peterson, PA-C, at the Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh and in the final stretch, the caring staff from Grane Hospice. The family is deeply grateful for their compassion and support.
Friends will be received Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 301 Church St., Gallitzin, where a vigil prayer service will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at St. Demetrius Church, Fr. Albert Ledoux, celebrant. Entombment will follow at Resurrection Mausoleum, Gallitzin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sylvia's name to the Hillman Cancer Center (www.upmchillman.com/donate); St. Demetrius Church; the Gallitzin Parks & Recreation Committee; or the Penn Cambria Pink Panthers.