Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

THOMASTON - Sylvia Knight Caven, 89, died unexpectedly, Thursday, August 28, 2014 at her home.

Born in Long Cove, March 19, 1925, she was the daughter of Alba and Elvira Huppa Korpinen. Sylvia was educated in St. George schools.

On March 21, 1942 she married Edwin Knight. Together they traveled out of state with his military career, later returning to Rockland, and eventually settled in Thomaston in 1946, where they purchased the home Sylvia has since resided in.

As a young woman, after her husband was injured and could not work, Sylvia worked at the Knox Hospital and the local sardine factories to help support her growing family.

Sylvia was a true care giver. She devoted her life to raising her ten children, as well as all of their friends, and anyone in need. Her children said she always had open arms and an open home, giving whatever she had to others, even when she didn’t have much. They said she always made sure their Christmas celebrations were delightful, working all through the year, knitting doll clothes, and buying and setting aside gifts. She also enjoyed making them May Baskets each year.

After the death of Mr. Knight 1973, Sylvia continued to be active in the lives of her children. At the age of 75, she married James Caven, once again growing her family with the blending of their two families. Together with Jim, Sylvia enjoyed taking their dog for car rides. Mr. Caven passed away in March of this year.

She was known for her beautiful knitting. She has knit hundreds of sweaters and socks for her children, their friends, and also to use as benefit raffle items. She had an incredible sense of humor, and loved to laugh; a trait she passed on to all her children. She also took great joy in collecting antiques. She had many collections, including, cookie jars, teddy bears, glass pitchers, and blue pottery, just to name a few.

One of her greatest passions was music. She loved to listen to Patsy Cline and especially loved to have her children sing to her. Her home was always filled with music. Most of all it was filled with love. She never let her children leave without a kiss, saying ‘I love you’, and walking them to the door to wave as they drove away. She was the glue that held them all together, and their closeness continues today. She will be sadly missed.

Predeceased by her first and second husbands; two sons, Russell Knight in 1974, and Ellison Knight in 1975; she is survived by eight children, Wesley Knight and his wife Linda, Wayne Knight all of Rockland, Diane Knight of Greenbush, Cindy Cox and her husband Barry of Lubec, Carl Knight and his wife Christine of Owls Head, Lillian Knight and her partner Kim Martin of Swanville, Janice Kaufmann and her husband Karl of Union, Jeffrey Knight and his partner Terri Belyea of Warren; her ‘adopted children’, Kevin Kaler, Ingrid O’Brien, Michael Knight, Dennessa Robbins, and Peter Beal; her sister Hilda Wiley and her husband Malcolm of Tenants Harbor; as well as five more generations comprised of over 80 people.

Family and friends are invited to visit from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, September 3, 2014. The Reverend Wayne Sawyer will officiate. Interment will follow at North Parish Cemetery, Wiley’s Corner, St. George.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to Maine Breast Cancer Coalition, 499 Broadway, PMB 362, Bangor, Maine 04401-3460.