THOMASTON — Sylvia Knight Caven, 89, died unexpectedly Aug. 28, 2014, at her home.

Born in Long Cove on March 19, 1925, she was the daughter of Alba and Elvira Huppa Korpinen. Sylvia was educated in St. George schools.
On March 21, 1942, she married Edwin Knight. Together they traveled out of state with his military career, later returning to Rockland, and eventually settling in Thomaston in 1946, where they purchased the home Sylvia has since resided in.

As a young woman, after her husband was injured and could not work, Sylvia worked at the Knox Hospital and the local sardine factories to help support her growing family.

Sylvia was a true caregiver. She devoted her life to raising her 10 children, as well as all of their friends, and anyone in need. Her children said she always had open arms and an open home, giving whatever she had to others, even when she didn't have much. They said she always made sure their Christmas celebrations were delightful, working all through the year, knitting doll clothes, and buying and setting aside gifts. She also enjoyed making them May baskets each year.

After the death of Mr. Knight 1973, Sylvia continued to be active in the lives of her children. At the age of 75, she married James Caven, once again growing her family with the blending of their two families. Together with Jim, Sylvia enjoyed taking their dog for car rides. Mr. Caven passed away in March of this year.

She was known for her beautiful knitting. She has knit hundreds of sweaters and socks for her children, their friends and also to use as benefit raffle items. She had an incredible sense of humor, and loved to laugh; a trait she passed on to all her children. She also took great joy in collecting antiques. She had many collections, including cookie jars, teddy bears, glass pitchers and blue pottery, to name a few.

One of her greatest passions was music. She loved to listen to Patsy Cline and especially loved to have her children sing to her. Her home was always filled with music. Most of all it was filled with love. She never let her children leave without a kiss, saying “I love you,” and walking them to the door to wave as they drove away. She was the glue that held them all together, and their closeness continues today. She will be sadly missed.

Sylvia was predeceased by her first and second husbands; and two sons, Russell Knight in 1974 and Ellison Knight in 1975. She is survived by eight children, Wesley Knight and his wife, Linda, and Wayne Knight, all of Rockland, Diane Knight of Greenbush, Cindy Cox and her husband, Barry, of Lubec, Carl Knight and his wife, Christine, of Owls Head, Lillian Knight and her partner, Kim Martin, of Swanville, Janice Kaufmann and her husband, Karl, of Union, and Jeffrey Knight and his partner, Terri Belyea, of Warren; her “adopted children,” Kevin Kaler, Ingrid O'Brien, Michael Knight, Dennessa Robbins and Peter Beal; her sister, Hilda Wiley and her husband, Malcolm, of Tenants Harbor; as well as five more generations comprised of more than 80 people.

Family and friends are invited to visit Tuesday, Sept. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland, where a celebration of her life will be held Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 2 p.m. The Rev. Wayne Sawyer will officiate. Interment will follow at North Parish Cemetery in Wiley's Corner in St. George.

Those who wish may make memorial donations to Maine Breast Cancer Coalition, 499 Broadway, PMB 362, Bangor, ME 04401-3460.