Sparkling Sylvia

People who pass away too young often possess that extra zest for living. They seem more adventurous, creative, passionate, and successful. Maybe some part of them knows they should squeeze the most of out their time here, as we all should. One of these was born to a modest family in Birmingham, England and lived her adult life all around the world. Sylvia Billinge, later Sylvia Reynolds and my mother, made her first stop in New York City working as a secretary in the Empire State Building. She there met an Air Force officer, Patrick Reynolds, with whom she and her new family made homes in Bangkok, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and bases across the continental United States.

To see a small example of her spirit, take a look at an interview she gave to Newsweek in 1964. British secretaries were in vogue. Some felt this limited the opportunity of American women seeking work, so an embargo was considered. It’s the type of immigration debate that continues even today. From the July issue of that year:

“For their part, English girls already beached in New York viewed the ban as, as best, a trifle lowbrow. Said blue-eyed, sparkling Sylvia Billinge, a 24-year-old stenographer now making about $100 in a Madison Avenue firm: “As there are plenty of vacancies, it does seem a pity. I know lots of girls at home who would like to spread their wings in America. I’m having a whale of a time.”

Thanks for reminding me to keep having a whale of a time, mom!