Sylvia Ann Chudy

Sylvia Ann Kelley Chudy, age 84, passed away peacefully July 15, 2020. She was born in Dierks, Arkansas March 9, 1936 to Harold and Erma Mae Kelley.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her bothers Richard and Steve Kelley along with her daughter in-law Shanna Chudy and son in-law Tim Swicegood.

Sylvia was a dedicated mother, grandmother, mother in-law, aunt, teacher, and friend.  Her greatest joys in life were her children and grandchildren, friends, and her past students. For many years, Sylvia was a dedicated teacher and librarian at Northeast High School, Old Main High School in North Little Rock, Catholic High School for Boys, and Arkansas School for Math and Science.  She loved following the lives of her students and their accomplishments.

At Catholic High School for Boys, Sylvia was the resident barber.  When a student got in trouble for having hair that was too long, he would head to the library for a trim.   Even to this date, she would still refer to the Catholic High students as “her boys”.

She always had a love for drawing and painting.  After she retired, she was able to focus on her love for art by taking classes in several different mediums some of which she entered in local art shows.  She went on to win awards in almost every event.  Each of her children has a piece of her art displayed in a special place in their homes.

One of her favorite guilty pleasures was watching “the ponies” run at Oaklawn.  Every year for her birthday we would go to celebrate and all bet on the Daily Double with the numbers 3-9.  As the years went on, she could be found on the third floor at Oaklawn right on the Finish Line.  There will always be seats there with the memory of Sylvia etched on them.

She could be known for her love for politics.  She would always say that she is a “card-carrying Democrat” surrounded by Republicans.  Her love for the Democratic Party was put into fruition when she became the president of Hot Springs Village Democratic Club.  The ultimate dream for her that never came true was to be a delegate for the National Democratic Convention.

Sylvia had love for helping those less fortunate in the community of Hot Springs.  She regularly served meals to the homeless and worked in the thrift store at the Jackson House.  In December of 2014, she was honored for her dedicated volunteerism and Board of Director Membership for the Eleanor Klugh Jackson House.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 61 years Marion Chudy, her children Alicia Chudy Brown (Jim), Mark Chudy (Teresa), Maria Chudy Swicegood, Scott Chudy, and Kelley Chudy (Traci).  The joy of her life were her grandchildren Leah, Carman, and Brandon Brown, Morgan Chudy, Piper-Bliss Chudy, Nick and Macie Chudy.

Please join us in celebrating her life Saturday afternoon July 18, 2020 from 1:00 pm -3:00 pm at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Arkansas at alzark.org.

State of AR COVID-19 directives: Face coverings required.  Maintain social distancing.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home , 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.