Blanche Emagene Dopwell (née Laidlow) was born on the Caribbean Island of St. Vincent & the Grenadines on leap year February 29, 1932. She was the eldest of ten children born to Miriam Agatha Laidlow (née Ross), also known as "Ma" and Norman Elliott Laidlow Senior. As a youth, Sylvia (as she was most affectionately known) attended various schools including Mrs. John's school, Anglican school, Methodist school and Girls High School.

During her time in St. Vincent, Sylvia spent many years serving as a member of the Mechanics Lodge (which is the equivalent of a sorority). Sylvia had an extremely warm and generous spirit. She always found a way to lend a helping hand, whether it be providing a place to stay, clothing, a meal (as she is most famously known for from her years in Ma's shop) or anything else she could offer.

Sylvia, along with four of her sons migrated to the United States on April 14, 1966 to join her husband George Edmond Dopwell and make a better way for her family. Sylvia's daughter, Monique joined her in the U.S. some time afterwards. Several years later, Sylvia would go on to adopt her stepson Kenny. Her last child, Maria was born in the U.S. Sylvia was a very humble and kind person. Once you were in her presence you felt the love, which made you feel "at home" and welcomed. Her house in Brooklyn, NY was a favorite gathering spot, especially during Labor Day weekend, attracting many out of towners, relatives and old time buddies.

While in America, Sylvia was employed as a Nurses Aide and she reignited her sorority membership. becoming one of the founding members of Miriam Chapter #5 under Ben Hur District Lodge downtown Brooklyn. She served for over 20 years as their Treasurer until sickness forced her to relinquish her position. In 1998, after 32 years of service, Sylvia retired her position as Nurses Aide from the Haym Solomon Home for the Aged. She was a really hard worker to the very end of her retirement and struggled each day battling aches and pains just to ride the bus to her job. Her retirement afforded her the opportunity to travel and spend more time with her children and her grandchildren, which were her livelihood.

Sylvia is pre-deceased by her husband George, two of her sons Kenrick, Ricardo "Ricky", her four brothers: Jimmy, Dennis, Junie, and Freddie. She leaves to mourn her remaining brothers Fitz and Maurice "Bumpy" as well as two sisters Tessilla, and Lillian "Doods". Sylvia is also mourned by her six children: Elroy "Joe", Trevor "Kenny" (Sandra), David "Bryan", Rohan, Monique, and Maria (Lynden); her twelve grandchildren Rashan (Allyson), Rickiem (Ariana), Roshanna, Andrea, Jessica, Justin, Ikebra, Jahkori, Jahvon, Jahrel, Jaida, Jahsiah - as well as five great grandchildren, a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family members, and close friends. Sylvia's legacy will live on with all of us.  Gone but never to be forgotten!

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