Bethany J. (Sylvia) Haveard of Pensacola, Florida, died unexpectedly on Nov. 6, 2011. She was 34.
Bethany was the loving wife of Steven Ashley Haveard for nine years and the mother to five young children. The daughter of Renee Ortiz of Vineyard Haven and the late Dennis W. Sylvia, Bethany was born in Falmouth on May 22, 1977. She grew up in Vineyard Haven and graduated from MVRHS.
Bethany was a talented dancer who also loved to sing, play the saxophone, the violin, and piano. She loved children and was always surrounded by them by babysitting or working in daycare programs. She attended Fisher College to study early childhood education. In 2000, Bethany, her mother and siblings moved to Pensacola, Florida, to attend the Brownsville School of Ministry. Pensacola is also where she met her loving husband. The two were married on May 25, 2002.
Bethany loved her family and the Lord. Many lives have been touched by her amazing presence and friendship. She loved reconnecting with her Island friends in recent years and was an amazing support to many with her uplifting spirit and infectious laugh. Her untimely passing from an unforeseen heart complication comes just 12 days after giving birth to her twin daughters. Bethany’s death serves as proof that life is fragile and precious, and we should all embrace the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.
Bethany is survived by her husband, Steven Ashley Haveard of Pensacola; a son, Elijah Alan, 8, and four daughters — Lily Rebekah (5), Keila Michelle (2), and newborn twins Abigail Alexandra and Isabella Grace; her mother Renee Ortiz of Vineyard Haven; four sisters — Naylee Webster of Midlothian, Virginia, Marjane Hamilton of Pensacola, and Sarah and Anna Sylvia of Oak Bluffs; and a brother, Jon Ortiz of Vineyard Haven; her grandparents, Gloria Sylvia and the late Adelbert L. Sylvia of Edgartown, Mary E. Ortiz and the late Petronio Ortiz of Vineyard Haven; many special aunts, uncles, cousins and her nieces and nephews Steven, Jonathan, Christopher, Christian, Emma, Ilana, Isaac, and Noah; her in-laws Steven and Susan Haveard and a sister-in-law Charity Haveard of Pensacola.
Bethany’s funeral services were held in Pensacola, Florida. A benefit auction and memorial, Bethany’s Blessings, is scheduled to take place at the Portuguese-American Club on the Island in January. All are welcome to attend and more information will be published once finalized. In order to assist Bethany’s husband and children as they regain their footing, donations may be sent to a memorial fund: Bethany Haveard Memorial Fund, c/o Edgartown National Bank P.O. Box 4175 Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.
