Sylvia May Serpa Rush of Goffstown, N.H. died on August 14 while in hospice at Hanover Hill Nursing Home in Manchester, N.H. She was 83.

She was born at the Oak Bluffs Hospital on August 23, 1938, the only daughter of Joseph Serpa Sr. and Rose Augusta Alves Serpa of Edgartown. She grew up on the Vineyard amidst a circle of close friends and graduated from Edgartown High School in 1956.

She enjoyed traveling the country, visiting friends and sightseeing and spending time with her family.

She fought colon cancer and its residual effects. She was initially treated in 1986 and, over the last three years, had been treated at several medical facilities. She was tough and fought valiantly with help from her loving family and professional caregivers.

Sylvia is survived by Joe Rush, her husband of 61 years; their son Michael Rush and his wife Bertha of Goffstown, N.H.; son Kevin Rush and wife Margo of Shelton, Conn.; daughter Sharon Hebert and her husband Bill of New Boston, N.H.; grandsons Brandon Rush, his wife Stephanie and their three children, Derek Rush, and Jonathan Rush; and a niece and two nephews on Martha’s Vineyard.

She was predeceased by her parents and brother Joseph Serpa Jr.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, August 18 at French and Rising Funeral Home in Goffstown, N.H. from 4 to 7 p.m. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 19 at the Congregational Church of Goffstown. Interment will follow at Westlawn Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 10538, Bedford N.H. 03110.