Sylvia Budak Taflan, 88, a lifelong Poplar-area resident, died of natural causes Friday, November 15th, 2013 at Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point.
The oldest of four children she was born at home October 19, 1925 to her Romanian immigrant parents, Matt and Laurentia Budak in Chelsea, MT. Sylvia attended the Poplar Public School system before enrolling in The College of St. Catherine’s in St. Paul, MN where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, a rare event for women of that era.
After graduation she worked in social services in Youngstown, OH while living with her mother’s twin sister, also named Sylvia. There she met her husband of 63 years, John Taflan, of Salem, OH. Sylvia and John moved to Poplar in 1951 to help on her dad’s farm and ranch while her only brother, George, served in the US Navy. They remained in the area to begin building their own spread.
She was a member of the Poplar Women’s Club, American Legion Auxiliary Post 55, the Women’s Lion’s Club, the Elk’s Club, the Altar Society of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar where she was an active lifelong member. She enjoyed playing bridge, dancing, gardening and traveling. A milestone in her life was a two-week European trip she took with her son Jeff. She also visited her cousins in Romanian with husband John and son Joe. She dearly loved her large family and took great joy and pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who she visited as often as she could.
Her parents, sister Mary Jane, and two grandchildren preceded her in death.
She is survived by husband, John, her steadfast caregiver in her final years; her sister, Lucretia Popa, of Columbia Falls, MT; her brother, George (Roberta), of Poplar; her children, John (Eileen) of Elmhurst, IL, Jim (Liz) of Helena, MT, Joe (Bernie) of Bloomington, IL, Jeff of Lake Balboa, CA, Jane (Darin) of Poplar, Jerome of Poplar, Julie of Great Falls; 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place and memorial services with Sunday liturgy will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar at 10:30 a.m. November 24, 2013.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family using the form below.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m.
Sunday November 24, 2013
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Poplar, MT 59255
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:30 a.m.
Sunday November 24, 2013
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Poplar, MT 59255
Bernie Taflan says
God bless dearest Sylvia. She is now dancing in Eternal Joy and Peace. I will miss her deeply, but remember her always in my heart. My prayers of comfort go out to my father-in-law, John, all of my brothers/sisters-in-law and nieces & nephews.
Lucy Redekopp says
My sincere thoughts and prayer are with Sylvia’s family. I have very Fond memories of your mother . I will always remember her with a smile. She was alway Very thoughtful person
You were very blessed to have such a beautiful mother. My sincere condolence
To the family.
.
Mary Lee (Frerich) Smith says
Sylvia had such grace and inner beauty, and she exuded such kindness. No doubt she is enjoying heaven’s rewards. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you, as you mourn your loss and celebrate her life.
Mary Lee
Shannon & David Ackeret says
Dear Jim & Liz,
Prayers and hugs to you both at the loss of your dear mother and mother-in-law.
Shannon & David Ackeret
Trudy & Tom Fox says
Sylvia was one of those “outstanding ladies of Poplar”. i will always remember her as very thoughtful and kind and always with that great smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Dick and Gwen Frerich says
We have many happy thoughts of Sylvia and what a dear friend she was. Our prayers will be offered for you all……