Dr. Sylvia Boyer, 87, loving sister, aunt and friend, died on Tuesday, Jan. 25, with her friend and companion Ellie at her side.

Sylvia, the second of three daughters, was born on Nov. 19,1934, to Roy and Thelma Boyer in New Orleans.  She attended the Academy of Holy Angels, and received a BA Degree from Our Lady of Holy Cross College.

Sylvia then entered the Marianite Sisters of the Holy Cross and went as a missionary to East Pakistan (now known as Bangladesh.) She taught school for several years there until it became evident, by the local Bishop, that a medical doctor was needed. She attended the University of Dacca, and then returned to the States to complete her internship, where at the end of that year, she received the Intern of the Year award.

She then returned to Bangladesh where she developed a leprosy and public health program, training local men to become paramedical workers, both in leprosy and public heath. The program was sponsored by the Damian Foundation of Belgium.

After the program was established and her students were able to take over the project, Sylvia returned to the States where she entered the LSU Family Medicine Residency Program in Lake Charles.  Lake Charles became her home where she had a successful practice in Family Medicine for 38 years.  She was also the Medical Director of Resthaven Nursing Home during that time.

In 2014 Sylvia and Ellie retired to Keizer, Oregon, where they spent time with family and friends.

Sylvia is survived by her sister, Fay Hook of New Orleans; niece, Maria Duhon; nephews, Chris, David and Patrick Hook, Philip Crider; and her traveling companion, Ellie.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Thelma Boyer; and her younger sister, Linda Crider.

A celebration of Sylvia’s life will take place later in New Orleans with her Marianite Community, family and friends.