Sylvia Marie Gelineau's Obituary
Sylvia Marie Gelineau passed away peacefully on August 26, 2025, just days before her 64th birthday, surrounded by her children and sister.
Born on August 30, 1961, in Izmir, Turkey near where her father was stationed in the Air Force, Sylvia was the daughter of Ann and Richard Kuehnel. She grew up in Valparaiso, Florida, and graduated from Niceville High School, where she formed lifelong friendships that she cherished deeply.
A talented competitive baton twirler, Sylvia earned numerous awards for her skill. She pursued higher education at Mars Hill College in North Carolina, graduating with a degree in allied health, and later earned a dental hygiene degree from Pensacola State College. Sylvia’s passion for connecting with others defined her career as a dental hygienist. Her genuine care and dedication left a lasting impact on her patients. She was especially committed to educating underserved youth about the importance of dental care, often ensuring guests at her home had a toothbrush if they forgot their own.
Sylvia’s loves included Florida Gator football, exercise, and an occasional White Russian, but her faith, the beach, and her role as a mother were her true passions. Her unwavering faith in God anchored her through life’s challenges, including her battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Even in the face of this disease, Sylvia’s trust in God’s plan never wavered, inspiring all who knew her.
If Sylvia wasn’t with her family you could always find her on the beach. There was no where that brought out her radiant smile quite like the beach. Above all, Sylvia poured her heart into being a mother to her children, Brittany and Brett. A friend once described her love for them as “the breath in her lungs.” Known for her thoughtfulness, Sylvia never missed a birthday, anniversary, or holiday, always prioritizing others over herself.
Sylvia courageously battled early-onset Alzheimer’s for 12 years, defying the odds with strength, resilience, and grace. Her ability to face the disease with joy inspired everyone around her.
Her infectious smile, pure heart, and love for connecting with others will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
Sylvia is survived by her daughter Brittany Murray and son-in-law Graham Murray of Germantown, Tennessee; her son Brett Gelineau and daughter-in-law Ashton Gelineau of Point Washington, Florida; her ex-husband Michael Gelineau of Bartlett, Tennessee; her mother Ann Kuehnel of Niceville, Florida; her brothers and sisters-in-law Richard and Tipi Kuehnel of San Diego, California, and Rob and Dawn Kuehnel of Gautier, Mississippi; her sister and brother-in-law Emilie and Jim Sims of Oneonta, Alabama; and many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends who were like family. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Kuehnel.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 4, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 5, at 11:00 a.m. at Shepherd Bible Church in Collierville, Tennessee. Sylvia will be laid to rest in her beloved Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, at Historic Gulf Cemetery on Sunday, September 7, at 11:00 a.m. For those unable to attend the Memphis services or wishing to join the family in Florida, a beach bonfire will be held on Saturday, September 6, at 6:00 p.m. at Ed Walline Regional Beach, 8638 E. County Hwy 30A, Panama City Beach, Florida 32413. If able, please wear purple in honor of Sylvia’s fight with Alzheimer’s.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Sylvia’s hospice nurses for their compassionate care over the past two and a half years.
In lieu of flowers, Sylvia requested donations to the Alzheimer’s Association to support the fight against this disease. Contributions can be made at: https://act.alz.org/site/TR/ActiveEvents/General?px=8976118&pg=personal&fr_id=18195
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