Beloved matriarch, great-grandmother, traveler, Realtor

Anna Sylvia Platte, known to family and friends as Sylvia, died peacefully on November 19.

Born on February 26, 1934, in Roseville, Michigan, she was the sixth of 14 children. Sylvia attended St. Gertrude’s High School in Saint Clair Shores, where she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Joe Platte. They married on February 3, 1951, and began their life together in Saint Clair Shores.

In 1958, she and Joe moved to Los Angeles with their first four children, later welcoming three more. She was deeply involved in the community and at Saint Ignatius Catholic Elementary School in Highland Park, where all seven of her children attended.

Years later, in 1977, the family settled in South Pasadena, where she launched a successful career as a Realtor and retired in 1996. The couple shared a love for roller skating and running, often circling the Rose Bowl together. They credited their health and longevity to their active lifestyle.

They moved to Claremont in 1998, where they continued to care for each other and stayed active through the Silver Sneakers program, attending the gym three times a week. They enjoyed traveling, taking cruises and road trips back to Michigan to visit family. She also enjoyed taking classes at Pasadena City College.

“Sylvia cherished her role as the family matriarch, hosting joyful Christmas gatherings filled with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren,” her family shared.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 74 years, Joe; children Sondra Platte Muggee, Fred Platte (Debbie), Cathy Ercek (Don), Theresa Gillette (Craig), and Loretta Hamilton; fifteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; her brother, Larry Payne; sisters Linda Gracin, Carla McCullah, and Colleen Mox; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved children James Platte and Mary Platte.

“Her life was defined by love, family, and faith,” her family said. “Sylvia will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.”