Tributes have been paid to Sylvia McRoberts, a veteran of local government and a former Mayor of Armagh, who has sadly passed away.
She was 88 years of age.
A diligent and driven Ulster Unionist councillor for many years, she has been fondly remembered for her active role in the life of Armagh.
Mrs McRoberts passed away on Thursday, July 16 at Sunnymead Nursing Home.
She first served on the former Armagh District Council and later Armagh City and District Council, established in 1995 after the awarding by the Queen of city status.
Sylvia, a mother-of-five, also had her own Royal reward too, when she received an MBE for services to local government in the New Year’s Honours List in 2012.
That special honour was a well-deserved accolade for one who did so much for Armagh.
She was a true champion of the local community, her door always open and always willing to go the extra mile for the people of a city and community which she loved dearly, irrespective of class or creed.
During her time in local government, Sylvia, originally from the Desart in Armagh, had served on all of the major committees and was an integral part of the decision-making process.
She had served as Mayor of Armagh and had also assumed the role at one time of Deputy Lord Mayor.
During both periods in office, she conducted herself with good grace and warm welcome, a real lady who was an ambassador, not just for Armagh but the people she so capably represented.
Sylvia had also served as one of two representatives on the former Southern Education and Library Board. Her active role and influence in the field of education was also borne further by taking her place on the Boards of Governors of a number of local schools, including Lisanally Special School.
She was a great supporter too of the Riding for the Disabled Association and Armagh Rural Transport.
Sylvia was also a keen advocate of the arts and was instrumental in the process which delivered a state-of-the-art venue, the Market Place Theatre, for public and performers the length and breadth of Ireland and beyond a mere 26 years ago.
Her’s was an active voice in favour of enhanced local health services and investment.
She had actively campaigned against any rundown of services, attending meetings and rallies when much-loved and even more needed facilities were facing the axe, including a spirited fight to keep the Southern Trust HQ in Armagh, to save Armagh Community Hospital and the threatened closure of Lisanally Old People’s Home.
Sadly, in the case of the latter, the campaign did not prove successful, but it certainly was not from lack of effort by Sylvia and others who did everything they could.
She went above and beyond during her years in public service and her arrival came at a time when local government began to change from the previously male-dominated scene to one that gave a deserved and long overdue voice to female representation, serving at a time of and alongside political peers such as Olive Whitten, Anna Brolly and Heather Black, sadly also no longer with us.
Sylvia contested and won no less than five consecutive local government elections, between 1993 and 2011, and was comfortably returned on each occasion. She also stood as the Ulster Unionists’ candidate of choice for the Westminster election in 2001, but failed to take the safe seat held by the late SDLP deputy leader and sitting Newry and Armagh MP Seamus Mallon.
When the new ABC Council was created in shadow form in 2014, Sylvia did not seek re-election, but she bowed out having left Armagh with a political legacy that spoke of achievement and improvement, both visible and viable.
Paying tribute, Newry and Armagh Ulster Unionist Association Chairman, Sam Nicholson, said he was “deeply saddened” at the loss of his former colleague and friend.
He said: “Sylvia will be remembered as an outstanding public representative who served the people of Armagh with dedication, integrity and unwavering commitment throughout her many years on Armagh City and District Council. She worked tirelessly to make a positive difference in the lives of others and consistently went above and beyond the call of duty in everything she undertook.
“She was a passionate advocate for her community and a devoted public servant who always put people first. Even after her retirement from the Council, and throughout her illness, Sylvia retained a keen interest in the issues affecting the people of Armagh and remained committed to the wellbeing of her community.
“On a personal level, I had the privilege of working closely with Sylvia for many years through Armagh Rural Transport, where she served as Chairperson and I was honoured to serve alongside her as a fellow board member. It was a privilege to work with her, not only in that role but also on many other local authority matters. Her wisdom, experience and friendship will be greatly missed.
“Everyone in the Association is deeply saddened by her passing. We have lost not only a respected colleague but also a dear friend. Our heartfelt condolences are extended to her entire family circle, her many friends and her former colleagues at this sad and difficult time.”
As news of Sylvia’s passing emerged on Thursday evening, many have taken to social media to pay their own tributes and offer condolences to her family.
Nicki Rankin was one of those privileged to have witnessed Sylvia’s caring and compassionate nature.
“She was a strong advocate for people with disabilities and special needs,” she said. “She helped us at Armagh Special Olympics so many times and we appreciated her guidance and support. Thoughts are with the family at this very sad time.”
Former Sinn Fein Councillor and Armagh Mayor Cathy Rafferty offered her sympathy too.
She said: “While we were opposites politically, Sylvia was a lady, and a very dedicated member of the Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership, and very supportive of all the projects in the community, including the Harps project and community houses. Thoughts and prayers with you all at this very sad time.”
Former AC&DC director Carol Corvan said: “Sylvia was a lovely lady, a dedicated forward thinking Councillor, always gracious and respectful to everyone.”
And serving ABC Councillor Sarah Duffy added: “Sylvia was a real lady and had a positive impact on so many. Thinking of her family and all who loved her at this difficult time. May she rest in peace.”
Others have also remembered her as “a beautiful stylish lady who touched everyone she met” and “a wee gem” who “will be missed by everyone who knew her”.
In a funeral notice, Sylvia is described as the “beloved wife of the late Brian, much loved mother of Flora, Morag, Bruce, Philip and Lucy, a dearly loved mother-in-law, cherished grandmother of Brian, Thomas, Conor, Finbar, Isla, Struan, Rachel, Simon, Eva, Dermot and Angus and a dear sister of Richard and the late Amy”.
Family and friends are most welcome to call at her daughter Lucy’s home, 4 Long Meadow View, Armagh BT61 7AQ on Friday, from 12 noon to 8pm.
A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Sylvia will be held in Abbey Street Methodist Church, Armagh on Saturday at 12.30pm, preceded by a private committal.
Family flowers only have been requested, but donations, if desired, are being received for Armagh Rural Transport, c/o Jackson Stoops & Sons, Funeral Directors, 39 Portadown Road, Armagh BT61 9HE or online at jstoops.co.uk.
To all of Sylvia’s family, friends and all privileged to have known her, we offer our sincere condolences at this very sad time.
