Sylvia Judith Sandsmark was born on July 21, 1918 at home on the farm in Benville Township, east of Grygla, MN the sixth of seven children born to Martin and Mathilda (Swenson) Sandsmark. She was baptized and confirmed at Valle Lutheran Church. Sylvia attended the District School #101 in Beltrami County.

In her early years, Sylvia worked in child care and home care for two families in Thief River Falls, MN. During World War II, she worked in the war effort making airplanes for Boeing in Seattle, WA.

On October 19, 1946 Sylvia was united in marriage to Alfred Sorenson at the Lutheran parsonage near Grygla, MN by Pastor Halmrast. To this union two children were born, Mary and Alice. They made their home in Grygla, MN. In 1957 they purchased the Hartz Store in Grygla, MN and owned and operated it for the next 23 years. In 1981 the couple retired to Thief River Falls where she has continued to reside. Alfred passed away in 1999.

For Sylvia, family was her pride and joy. She was most happy when grandchildren came to visit, and could stay for awhile. What made Sylvia happiest about being a mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, is the love of seeing them; to hear of all the good things happening in their lives; how they succeed in school, work and all the places they have seen.

She enjoyed walking, mowing grass, hanging laundry outside, sewing, quilting, picking berries and petting her kitty cat. She made each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren a hand made quilt. Sylvia mowed the lawn until the summer of 2010 at the age of 92.

She was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Grygla, MN where she was active in her Circle and Ladies Aide.

Survivors include her loving daughters, Mary (Jamie) McEnelly of Williams, MN and Ali (Jim) Rothstein of Grand Rapids, MN; grandchildren, Tony (Jene Jesmer) McEnelly, Mick McEnelly, Jenny (Chris) Christy, Kristin Rothstein, Michael (Krista) Rothstein, Maggie Rothstein; great grandchildren, Emma Rothstein, Teagan Christy, & Finley Sylvia Christy; sister-in-law, Stella (Lloyd) Thorstad; nephew, Wesley (Kathy) Sandsmark; special loved one, Helen Glawe; and many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Alfred; parents; sister, Sharlotte; brothers, Clifford, Palmer, Milton, Archie and Roy.