Sylvia F. Howard, 87, of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Liberty Village in Maryville, IL.

She was born on April 11, 1938, in East St. Louis, IL, to the late James and Anna (née Gasawski) Tesar. Sylvia married John Joseph Howard on October 8, 1960, and he preceded her in death.

Sylvia was a graduate of St. Teresa Academy in East St. Louis. She was employed as a cafeteria worker with the Collinsville Unit 10 School District for many years until her retirement. She was a longtime member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville and was an avid bingo player who greatly enjoyed time spent with family and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Tesar.

She is survived by her three children: Stephen Howard of Highland, IL, and Michael (Jere) Howard of East Alton, IL, and Laura (Steve) Randant of Collinsville, IL; four grandsons: Michael, Nathan, Andrew, and Ian; three great-grandchildren: Matthew, Ethan, and Aurora; and a sister-in-law, Alda Tesar.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 207 Vandalia Street, Collinsville, IL. A Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 noon, with Father Michael Haag celebrant. Burial will take place at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery in Collinsville.

Memorials may be made to SS Peter & Paul Catholic School or Partners for Pets. Memorials will be received at the visitation or may be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.