Sylvia Jane (Knorring) Barrett

Sylvia J. (Knorring) Barrett, 95, widow of Rev. Glenn W. Barrett, of Staunton, VA, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Aviva Baldwin Park in Staunton. Mrs. Barrett was born in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, the daughter of the late Nicholas A. Knorring and Merle E. (Johnson) Knorring. Sylvia grew up in upstate New York and graduated cum laude from the University of Rochester, where she obtained her Bachelor’s of Science degree (with High Distinctions) in Education. She was a proud life-time member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. While working as a science teacher in the Dayton Public Schools, Sylvia later earned her Master’s of Education degree from Wright State University. She retired from the Dayton Public School System after serving over 20 years as a teacher and later as a school principal. She accomplished much and made a significant impact on her community during her career. One notable achievement was that she was instrumental in helping establish a magnet school for Japanese and international studies in the Dayton Public School System. She created a “sister school” relationship with that school, even taking a group of students to visit Japan, and participated in several exchanges and visits between the schools. Mrs. Barrett was a devout Christian and a member of Third Presbyterian Church in Staunton. She was very active in her church and enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels for many years. Her faith was expressed in how she cared for children and all those in her community (locally and beyond) who were underserved. She and Glenn were also very passionate about assisting immigrants and refugees and helped sponsor several families as they tried to get settled in our country. As a child, Sylvia and her family spent their summers vacationing to York Beach, Maine and that tradition continued once she married and had children of her own. She and Glenn were fortunate to be healthy enough to travel quite a bit in retirement. Among their many travels were trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Italy, Scotland, Nova Scotia and the Bahamas. Mrs. Barrett enjoyed the arts, especially the Staunton locals; Oak Grove Theater, Heifetz, and Stonewall Brigade Band. Sylvia always enjoyed, and was exceptionally good at, family board games and cards. Down time in the evenings was often spent around a family table playing Monopoly, Scrabble, Yahtzee, card games like Queens, and Clue (once the grandkids came). She was always the “one to beat”. After retirement, she became an avid fan of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and was rarely found without a crossword puzzle or sudoku puzzle in her hands. Sylvia will be remembered for her generous spirit, unwavering faith, and the many lives she touched throughout her life. Whether through her work in education, her service to her church and community, her compassion for others, or the simple joy she found in time spent with family, she made a lasting difference in the lives of those around her. Her wisdom, kindness, and love will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. In addition to her parents and husband of sixty years, Mrs. Barrett was preceded in death by a son, Thomas A. Barrett; and a sister, Sandra J. Fiaschetti. Surviving, is a son, David E. Barrett of Ann Arbor, MI; a daughter, Jeanne E. Lambert and her husband, James “Mick” M. Lambert of Staunton, VA; a granddaughter, Kristen N. Lambert of Staunton, VA; a grandson, William “Liam” B. Lambert and his wife, Abigail “Abby” of Salem, VA; a great-granddaughter, Parker J. Lambert; a nephew; and several nieces. Sylvia’s body, at her request, was donated to the State Anatomical Society. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at Third Presbyterian Church, Staunton. Memorial contributions may be made in Sylvia’s memory to Third Presbyterian Church, 1313 Barterbrook Road, Staunton, VA 24401 or Augusta Health Foundation, c/o Hospice of the Shenandoah, P.O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Wellspring Village/ Aviva Baldwin Park for their love and care during her stay there. Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton is in charge of her arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net