Dr. Sylvia Marie (Halleck) Winkler, 87, passed away peacefully in Nashville, TN on May 6, 2022.

She was born September 19, 1934, the second child and eldest daughter of Dr. Mahlon Charles and Erma (Leinbach) Halleck. Sylvia was the quintessential big sister to her younger siblings, always looking out for them.  She graduated from Worcester Central School in 1952. She was involved in many activities, playing both the flute and the piano, tennis, and was a cheerleader.

She completed her undergraduate schooling at Wells College in Aurora, NY and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She went on to get her MD at NYU Medical College. While at NYU, she met Maurice "Maury" Winkler and they were married in 1960. She returned briefly to Worcester in the 1970's to practice medicine at her father's family practice, in the house where she grew up. After many years spent in New York City, the couple moved to Atlanta, GA. She loved the culture, food, and Southern hospitality of Atlanta.

Not having any children, Sylvia and Maury loved dogs and she lavished her attention on her beloved pets. She was a loving aunt to her many nieces and nephews, always welcoming and excited to show off the hidden treasures of Atlanta when they came to visit. Maury was the love of her life and they enjoyed 40 happy years together until his death in 2000.

She spent the last five years of her life with her sister Sandra Halleck in Nashville, TN.

She is survived by her brother, Mahlon Charles Halleck; her sister, Sandra Halleck, PhD, and several nieces and nephews and their children.

She is predeceased by her husband, Maurice Winkler; her brother, David Halleck, and her sister, Diane Halleck Mustico. Passing away so shortly after her youngest sister, Diane, has been a devastating loss for the family.

A graveside service and interment will be held 12:00 p.m. on June 27, 2022 at Maple Grove Cemetery in Worcester, NY.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hellerskinnerfh. com

Arrangements are with Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main Street, Worcester, NY.