Sylvia R. Volksdorf

Sylvia R. Volksdorf, 76, of Holland, a longtime resident of North Wales, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 4, 2026, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. She was the wife of the late Richard H. Volksdorf.

Born September 27, 1950, in Bethlehem, Sylvia was the beloved daughter of the late June (Bright) and William H. Reese, Jr.

Sylvia was a graduate of Liberty High School, Class of 1968. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Ursinus College, Class of 1972. She went on to work for Merck & Co. as a research biologist for 35 years, retiring in 2008.

She was a longstanding member of Sanctuary United Methodist Church in North Wales.

Among Sylvia's many interests, she had a great appreciation for Japanese culture and was especially drawn to the beauty and traditions of Japan. She cherished spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed gardening, reading, watching true crime shows, playing mahjong, and visiting Ocean City, NJ.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Jennifer Peterson (John); stepdaughter Jennifer Pasquarello (Gerald); stepson Christopher Volksdorf (Coleen); nine grandchildren; her best friend of 45 years, Elizabeth “Betsy” Landis; and her loving extended family.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Mary E. Wiese.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 12, at Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Inc., 701 Derstine Road, Lansdale, PA 19446, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 –11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Animals in Distress, P.O. Box 609, Coopersburg, PA 18036, or Doctors Without Borders, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741.