Sylvia Martha Veronica Esjornson was born on October 30, 1958, in Wyoming, Pennsylvania, to John and JoAnne (Iwanowksi) Rygiel and entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

Sylvia was born and raised in Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania, graduating from Wyoming High School with the class of 1976, where she was voted the "Most Individual" in the yearbook.

She pursued her passion for learning, earning an Associate Degree in Photography from the Rochester Institute of Technology. She continued her education at the University of Scranton, where she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1982. Her academic journey would lead her to Purdue University, where she would earn her Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1989. It is also where she would meet the love of her life, David Esjornson. The two were married on May 19, 1984. Together, David and Sylvia would raise 3 children— Walter, Lou, and Elaine.

In 1995, Sylvia continued her teaching career at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where she dedicated herself to educating and mentoring students until her retirement in 2024. Sylvia was a known researcher. She contributed to international chemical education initiatives and presented her work at meetings. She was an author for lecture presentations and Dynamic Study Modules for Introductory and General Chemistry textbooks. She was also a director of the Summer Science Academy for Future Math and Science Teachers, and an instructor for math science partnerships Grass Roots Science and Prairie and Ponds.

Sylvia was involved in many activities around the community, including SWOSU Community Band and Community Chorus, coach, referee, and officer of the Weatherford Soccer Club and Great Plains Soccer District. She was a past choir director at the Federated Church, and a cantor at St. Eugene Catholic Church. She was a prolific reader and hobby geologist. She also guided the Pioneer Center's writing class for over a year and was a mentor to students of all ages.

Sylvia will be remembered for her beautiful singing voice that brought joy and much comfort to those around her.

She is preceded in death by her father, her husband, and one sister, Rosanne.

Sylvia is survived by her three children, Walter Esjornson, Lou Esjornson, and Elaine Fangman and her wife, Cara; her mother, JoAnne Rygiel; one brother, John Rygiel II and his wife, Lisa; one sister, Patricia Rygiel Bartlett and her husband Dave, and one grandchild, Floyd Roger Fangman.

A memorial service will be held Monday, April 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Eugene Catholic Church with Father Kelly Edwards officiating. Services are under the direction of Lockstone Funeral Home.