Groce Funeral Home

Sylvia Louise (Fossati) Ballard

sylvia (fossati) ballard

August 28, 1953 ~ September 20, 2025

Born in: New York City, New York
Resided in: Biltmore Forest, North Carolina

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Sylvia Louise (Fossati) Ballard, 72, of Biltmore Forest, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 20, 2025, surrounded by her family at Care Partners Hospice in Asheville, NC.

Born in New York City, NY, Sylvia was the beloved wife of Robert “Jerry” Ballard of Biltmore Forest and the cherished daughter of the late Silvio and Antonina (Cuccia) Fossati.

Sylvia enjoyed a distinguished career as an executive assistant, serving most notably with The Avon Company and NCI, Inc. (Aerospace). Her professionalism and dedication left a lasting impression on colleagues and friends alike.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 35 years, Robert “Jerry” Ballard; her son, William Hager and his wife Lindsey; her sister, Jane Gabriele and her husband Thomas A. Gabriele Jr.; two stepsons, Kiah Ballard and his wife Melissa Ballard, and David Ballard and his wife April Ballard; four step-grandchildren, Kiah, Lauren, Linc, and Shelby; and two nieces Nicole Penniman and Ashley Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made out to CarePartners Solace, care of Darby Ford, 21 Belvedere Road, Asheville, NC 28803.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family during this time.

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  1. Sylvia was a treasure to know. She was a kind and gentle spirit. Her elegance, charm & sense of humor with a laugh that made everyone happy, made her a delightful Lady to know. She lived a life of joy… filled with love for her dear husband, family and friends. All that knew her will deeply miss her. I feel most fortunate to have know her and enjoyed her friendship immensely. Sending prayers of comfort to Jerry, William and family.

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  2. To my amazing sister, I love you, I’ll always love you. I’ve spent my whole life looking up to you and wanting to be just like you. Don’t worry about Willie, I promise I always will be there for him.

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  3. Jerry and William I will always keep a place in my heart that only my dearest friend, your wife, and your mom could only fill. Sylvia, was a trusted, respected and honored friend and I am going to miss her kind hearted presence in my life.. Your sorrow is my sorrow, too and I pray that you both find piece in your grieving. .

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  4. Sylvia was such a wonderful, kind and thoughtful person. She was my great friend for almost 40 years. We had so many adventures and wonderful trips; we laughed and cried together. My heart breaks for her family and I will forever grieve her loss.

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  5. God must have needed another angel, because Sylvia was just that to me! She was one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and she will be missed by all who knew her😥

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    • I treasured Sylvia. Her love and kindness were a blessing in my life. It was a joy to know her family and friends. We spent countless hours in the Ballard kitchen laughing and sharing. I am so thankful Sylvia was my friend.❤️

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  6. Sylvia was such a beautiful lady with such a kind soul. We were so fortunate to have her in our family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jerry , William and the rest of the family. We love you all so very much

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  7. Sylvia was kind, toughtful and generous w ith her friendship and love. We become good friends while working at Avon Products in NYC. I have so many unforgettable memories of the times we shared both in NY and Asheville. I will cherish those memories. Until we meet again, my friend, your home is with angels now.
    I along with Richie extend our heartfelt condolences to Jerry, Wiiliam & Lindsey, Jane & Tom as well as their families.

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  9. Sylvia was special. She was my friend from the first time I meet her. I would get calls from her saying that she needed help with a problem she was having but she would end up helping me by talking about what was going on with my life and the issues I was facing. She was always interested in helping me. I will really miss our talks because she was truly a exceptional and caring person. My thoughts and prayers are with William, Jerry and family.

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  10. Jerry, William and family,
    So very sorry for your loss of Sylvia. She was a bright light and loved by so many and will certainly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  14. Sylvia and I were best friends. We grew up together, went to school together, went to prom together, worked at Avon together and were in each other’s bridal parties. She was like a sister to me. Her family was my second family. I am heartbroken that she has passed away. We ended up living in separate states but always stayed in touch. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of her family and friends! She was a beautiful person!

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