Sylvia Havey

MADISON - Sylvia Ann Havey passed away at home in Madison, Wis., on Jan. 27, 2024, with her family by her side.  Sylvia DeBrotzke was born on April 19, 1936, in Perth Amboy, N.J.  She was the daughter of immigrant parents and very proud of her Slovak heritage.  Sylvia attended Catholic school at Holy Trinity and earned a two-year degree at Middlesex Business College.  In her high school yearbook, she was described as, “Syl…always smiling…our favorite waitress…definitely content with life…possesses agile piano fingers…never a dull moment.”

Sylvia married Maurice Ellestad in 1956.  After her first daughter was born, the family moved to Wisconsin.  Sylvia raised five daughters and worked tirelessly in order to give them everything that she could.  She was a wonderful cook and loved to prepare her favorite dishes.  Friends and family enjoyed her stuffed cabbage, holusky and kielbasa.  Sylvia was an active member of St. Dennis Church, teaching catechism and serving as a eucharistic minister.  She sold Avon and Tupperware and loved to entertain her friends. Sylvia was employed by Venetian Marble, the U.W. Department of Environmental Textiles and Design and Central Wisconsin Center.  Her secretarial skills were outstanding, and her personality illuminated the workplace.  She was loved by her colleagues, including her dear friend, Bernice, and the “Sassy Sisters”.  Sylvia was a fashionista and always impeccably dressed. She had her hair done weekly by her friend, Dorothy.  Sylvia was truly the life of the party, a stylish woman with a generous spirit.

In 1991, Sylvia and Darrell Havey were married.  He was her soulmate and they supported each other through good times and bad, building their life together on the east side of Madison.  The Haveys loved to travel, visiting Las Vegas and New Jersey and could not resist the slot machines at local casinos. Sylvia was an accomplished pianist and fabulous dancer, never missing a beat.  She was devoted to her daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren and always attended their dance and piano recitals, school concerts, plays, games and events.  Her Catholic faith was woven into her daily routine, as she listened to Mass and the Rosary every day.  She is now resting in heaven with her beloved daughter, Tami.

Sylvia is survived by her husband, Darrell; her daughters, Cynthia Ellestad (Thomas Hudkins), Lynn Ellestad (Tim Keller), Maureen Ellestad and Deanna Ellestad; son-in-law, Dave Hayter; grandchildren, Casey Kelley (Derek), Callie Busse (Matthew), Holly Wilkinson (Nate), Anne Hudkins and John Hayter; great-grandchildren, Jovie, Leo, Nora and Nola; cousin, Carol Ann in New Jersey; and many dear friends.  She was preceded in death by her daughter, Tamara Ellestad Hayter; parents, John and Bertha DeBrotzke; brother, John DeBrotzke; sister, Dorothy; aunt, Rose Kish; and uncle, Jack Muha.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday. Following the Mass, Sylvia will be laid to rest at Highland Memory Gardens. A luncheon at St. Dennis will follow.

Sylvia’s arduous journey with Alzheimer’s has come to an end and our family is forever grateful to her caregivers and Agrace Hospice.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.  Amen.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420