Sylvia Dobrovolsky

Sylvia Sue (Sommer) Dobrovolsky, 86, Bismarck, ND formerly of Acworth, GA passed away Monday, January 13, 2025, at St. Vincent Care Center.

Sylvia was born on December 13, 1938, in Hazen, ND to Emil and Alma (Weigum) Sommer. She grew up on the family farm with her brother Jerald, northeast of Hazen. She graduated from Hazen Public School in 1956 and went on to pursue training as a stenographer in Minnesota. Sylvia worked as a Court Recorder in Bismarck until 1962, when she joined MDU.

With relatives living in the Los Angeles area, Sylvia’s love of travel led her to California. She soon started working for Pacific Mutual Life Insurance as a commercial programmer. While taking in an evening of dancing she met the love of her life, Andy Dobrovolsky. They were married on February 15, 1970, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Los Angeles.

In 1972, Sylvia and Andy relocated to Lakewood, Colorado, where she worked as a Programmer/Analyst for the Colorado Judicial Department. In 1992, they moved to Acworth, Georgia, where they retired and continued their passion for traveling. Their journeys took them to Eastern Europe, Spain, Morocco, Canada, Mexico, Bolivia, and various destinations throughout the United States.

Sylvia had many interests that brought her joy, including dancing, camping, clowning, gardening, rummaging, taking nature walks and volunteering at Northwest Christian Church. She was particularly fond of the beautiful Gibbs Gardens, where she admired the seasonal displays of daffodils, tulips, and cherry blossoms, enjoying the peaceful serenity of the many acres of botanical beauty.

Sylvia and her friend Tony came to Bismarck for a visit in the fall of 2023. While visiting she became ill, and it was decided to have her stay in ND to have the help of her family as Alzheimer's became more challenging. 

Sylvia will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her love of nature, and her passion for exploring the world with her beloved husband.

Funeral arrangements will proceed later in Acworth, GA.

Sylvia is survived by her brother, Jerald (June) Sommer of Bismarck; special friend, Tony Idol of Acworth, GA; nephews, Jody (Michelle) Sommer of Mandan, Rick Sommer of Gaston, OR; nieces, Shonda (Scott) Wild of Bismarck, Tami (Jerrid) Soupir of Mandan; great nieces, Miranda Sommer, Sommer (Sam) Hager, Sydney Wild, Courtnee Soupir; great nephews, Lance Sommer, Skylar (Tatiana) Soupir, Garret (Kiana) Soupir; four great-great nieces; Dorothea, Ramona, Louisa Hager, and Kenley Soupir.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alma and Emil; husband, Andrew; and sister-in-law, Inez Sommer. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to:

Gibbs Gardens 

1987 Gibbs Drive 

Ball Ground, GA 30107