Mokelumne Hill, CA…Surrounded by love, Sydney “Syd” Mathos Cilenti passed away at Mark Twain Convalescent Hospital (San Andreas) early Sunday evening on May 8, 2016. She was 83. Syd considered herself a life-long resident of Calaveras County having moved here in 1953. With her husband, Joe Mathos, Syd ran the gas station in downtown Moke Hill across the street from Shutter Tree Park until the late 1960’s.

Syd was born Sydney Frances Vantrease on December 9, 1932, to Roy and Katherine Vantrease in Kelsyeville, CA. She was a 1950 graduate of Konocti High School. She met Joe, then a lineman for PG&E, the fall of 1949 and they were married July 9, 1950. After Joe died in 1976, Syd went to work at the lumber mill Martel, working the graveyard shift running the banding machine and driving forklift until 1979 when she left to take care of her mother. In 1987 she married life-long family friend, Nick Cilenti. Though they only had a few short years together it forever cemented the Mathos-Cilenti families.

In her younger years, Syd was a member of the Moke Hill Community Club, the Moke Hill Women’s Club and the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Alter Society. After she retired she joined the Pink Ladies and volunteered at Mark Twain Hospital for a number of years.

Syd was preceded in death by her husband Joe Mathos (1976) and husband Nick Cilenti (1989). She is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Mathos) Mazzaferro, son, Joe Mathos (Sherri), five granddaughters, and five great grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by step-sons Steven and Joe Cilenti and step-daughter Linda Cilenti, as well as their children and grandchildren.

Per her wishes no church service will be held and internment will be private for only the immediate family. However, a Wake to celebrate Syd will be held Saturday afternoon, May 14, at 2:00 at the Hotel Leger in Mokelumne Hill.

Syd loved kids, horses, dogs and all things outdoors. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to the Calaveras High School FFA program.