Sydney Jean McDole

Sydney was born in 1946, the second of six children, to Earl and Faye Wilshire in San Bernardino, Ca. where she grew up and graduated Pacific High School in 1964. She married her childhood sweetheart and love of her life, Robert (Bob) Rosar in 1967 and moved to Texas and Louisiana while Bob finished military training. In 1968 Bob was deployed to Vietnam and died in action soon after.

Sydney embarked on her career as a flight attendant after losing Bob, and worked for American Airlines for 25+ years. Sydney re-married in late 1969 and soon thereafter had her first child, a son, Kenneth Johnson in 1970. However, the marriage did not work out. Having to set aside her flight attendant career upon the birth of her son, she worked as a dental assistant. As a single mother Sydney worked hard and was dedicated to providing a home for her and her son Kenny. With VA benefits, she was able to purchase her first home in San Bernardino in 1974. In 1978 Sydney re-married and also reinstated with American Airlines. In 1980 Sydney had a second son Matthew but shortly afterwards divorced his father.

From 1982 until she left us, Sydney dedicated her life to her sons. She never remarried and provided a wonderful life for her sons as a proud single mother. In 1993 she became a grandmother when her granddaughter Taylor Johnson was born. Soon after Taylor, her brother Justin was born and in 1999 her youngest son gave her a granddaughter named Alexa. These three grandchildren were Sydney's world and she played an active part in their development and the wonderful people they are today. Taylor gave Sydney her first great-grandchild, Penelope. Justin then blessed her with his son Maverick. These grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immense joy and love.

In 2003 Sydney's father passed away so she moved her mother in with her to care for her through her illness. Sydney retired from the airlines in 2006 and continued to provide loving care for her mother until she passed away at home in 2007.

Sydney then relocated to Calimesa, Ca. where she was joined for a brief time by her lifelong best friend Shirley Welch. In 2015 Sydney was diagnosed with a terminal respiratory disease which she met like any problem she was faced with -- bravely and with dignity. In 2019, wishing to simplify her remaining years, she moved to Lincoln, Ca. to be with her two youngest sisters, Tami Elliott and Mary Wilshire. The sisters provided Sydney with loving care, laughter, and peace. Sydney had always taken care of and put others first throughout her life, but it was this period of time that she was the one receiving the care. This was a very comforting and peaceful time that she greatly enjoyed.

On March 29, 2022, Vietnam Veterans Day, Sydney passed away quietly and at peace. Sydney was preceded in death by her first husband Robert Rosar 1968, father Earl Wilshire 2003, mother Faye Wilshire 2007, and sister Earlene Dolan 2008. Sydney is survived by her two sons, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren; her brother Richard Wilshire; and sisters Teresa Ringnes, Tami Elliott, and Mary Wilshire; several nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, who will all miss her dearly.

Sydney loved chocolate, the movies, popcorn, travel, bowling, reading, and gambling. Sydney could always be counted on to help family and friends in any way possible. In-lieu of services Sydney requested that those who wish to remember her will think of her when they see a yellow rose or plant a yellow rose. The yellow rose represents joy and cheer and the essence of unconditional love and friendship. This makes the yellow rose the perfect symbol of Sydney’s memory, for she loved and gave unconditionally.

God Bless Sydney and those who loved her.