Sylvia R. Munger, formerly of Paul St., Farrell, passed away at 8:35 p.m. Tuesday (12-28-10) in Avalon Springs Nursing Home, Mercer, PA, following an extended illness. She was 87.

Mrs. Munger was born July 21, 1923 in New Castle, PA a daughter of Antonio and Maria DePreta Tamber.

She moved to Farrell as a child and was a 1942 graduate of Farrell High School.

Sylvia was an exceptional cook and was employed for more than 40 years at many local restaurants, including the former Magnotto's Hilltop Inn and Basilone's, both Farrell; as well as the former Jimmy's Plantation in Hermitage, which was owned by her nephew, Jimmy Tamber. She retired in 1985. 'Aunt Sylvia', as she was known by many, was a lifelong active member of Our Lady of Fatima-St. Ann Church, Farrell, where she was a member of the Bethany Club; the Altar and Rosary Society; and the churches cavatelli workers. She was also a charter member of the Farrell Kiwanianne's, which later became the Farrell Service Club. Sylvia was very proud of her Italian heritage and loved its music and traditions. She had a beautiful voice and enjoyed singing Italian songs as she prepared her delicious sauce.

Her husband, Merle Munger, whom she married November 10, 1951, passed away September 17, 1992.

Surviving are: a daughter, Jessica M. Hoovler and her husband Glenn, Jackson Center, PA; a son, Michael A. Munger and his wife Connie, Sharpsville, PA; a brother, Frank J. Tamber, Farrell; four grandchildren, Sara Maria Hoovler, Corey Hoovler, Mary Catherine Munger and Anthony Michael Munger; two step-grandchildren, Jan Wetstone and her husband Gibby; and Dawn Slobon and her husband Mark; three step-great grandchildren, Kyle, Tyler and Jonathon; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, Sylvia was preceded in death by three sisters, Rose Celenzi, Anna Marini and Laura Toskin; and six brothers, Joseph, Carmen, Louis, Constantine, Michael and Anthony Tamber, Jr.

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to Our Lady of Fatima-St. Ann Church, 601 Roemer Blvd., Farrell, PA 16121; or to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.

Calling hours will be from 3-7 p.m. today (12-30-10) and from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Friday (12-31-10) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Parish rosary will be recited at 2:45 p.m. today (12-30-10) in the funeral home.

Friends may email condolences by visiting www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Mass of Christian burial will be 1 p.m. Friday (12-31-10) in Our Lady of Fatima ?St. Ann Church, Farrell, with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor, as celebrant. A brief prayer service will be held at 12:15 p.m. Friday (12-31-10) in the funeral home before leaving to go to the church.

Interment: St. Anthony's Cemetery, Hermitage.