Sylvia Mary Hogan passed away peacefully on the evening of August 7, 2022, at Broad Reach Liberty Commons in Chatham, MA. She was 80 years old.

Sylvia was born in Warrington, England to Susanna and Reginald Cahill. Her father would fondly refer to her as “Queen.”

Sylvia was a courageous dreamer and a rebel, always following her heart and forging her own path. At only nineteen, Sylvia left behind her home and family in England to pursue her dream of living in the United States of America. A few years later she became a U.S. citizen. She never lost her love of this country, always proud to fly her American flag and the Fourth of July was her favorite holiday.

Nevertheless, Sylvia never quite lost her British accent and would charm others around her with her endearment of calling people “love.” She also believed that a good, strong cup of tea would cure all ills. Sylvia loved to read about British royalty and was a huge fan of Downton Abbey.

Sylvia was a born actress. She took her love of the dramatic as well as her gift of storytelling to begin a successful career as a tour guide and operator. She loved to direct and mother her passengers on trips all over the country and other parts of the world. Eventually Sylvia opened her own business, Swans of New England Tours. She chose the swan as her symbol because one never knew how much work went on below the surface and all you would see is grace.

However, Sylvia would say that her greatest achievement in her life was giving birth to and raising her two beloved daughters: Susan and Joanie.

Sylvia’s “signature color” was pink. In fact, the staff at Broad Reach in Chatham where she spent her last days nicknamed her “Pinkie.” She also loved roses. Sylvia was a faithful Catholic and a member of Our Lady of the Cape Church for many years. Saying the rosary often gave her comfort. Her favorite saint was St. Therese of Lisieux – the “little flower” of Jesus.

Sylvia is survived by her two daughters, Susan Hogan and Joanie Hogan; her sister, Valerie Muir; and her former husband, Ken Hogan. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends. To all who knew, loved, and cared for Sylvia during her life, thank you for being a part of her journey.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 17, 2022, from 4-6 PM at Hallett Funeral Home 273 Station Ave, South Yarmouth, MA. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 18 at 11 AM at our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Rd, Brewster. Interment will be private.

Flowers are welcome, but donations can also be made to the Society of the Little Flower (https://www.littleflower.org/).