Sylvia T. Lehner passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at the age of 89 after a long illness. 

Sylvia was born June 3, 1936, in Natick, MA and was the eldest daughter of the late David and Alberta (Readio) Treadwell. Sylvia moved to Wolfeboro in 1957 following her marriage to Gene Lehner, Jr, a lifelong Wolfeboro resident, and her graduation from the Burbank School of Nursing in Fitchburg, MA. She worked for 9 years as an RN at Huggins Hospital. Never one to sit still, Sylvia started a home daycare business before becoming the Carpenter School/local HeadStart nurse in 1968. Sylvia joined her husband Gene at Gene’s Hardware in 1970 and was instrumental in transforming the store into Gene’s of Wolfeboro. Together, Sylvia and Gene became well known throughout the Lakes Region and beyond for their dedicated customer service whether it be draperies, wall coverings, or paint. Sylvia and Gene retired after 25 years in 2001, though Sylvia later returned to her nursing roots when she worked part time for several years as a clerical assistant with the VNA of Southern Carroll County.

Within her family Sylvia was known as the Adventure Mom, particularly when it came to motorcycles. She was a Charter Lifetime Member of the American Motorcycle Association and a member of the International Women on Wheels. When Sylvia wasn’t on two wheels, she was busy gardening, hiking, kayaking, skiing (which included several trips to the Alps!), and spending time with her grandchildren. Always ready for a new adventure, Sylvia celebrated her 80th birthday by skydiving not once, but twice! 

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband Gene, brother David Treadwell, Jr, and great-grandson Aaron Carpenter. She is survived by her sister Helen Humphrey, her children Linda Myers, Kurt and his wife Anne Lehner, and Scott Lehner and his loving companion Jane Purdy. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren: Andrea and husband Kris Phagan, Kenny Carpenter, Ari Polombo and husband Josh, Ian Lehner, Owen Lehner and fiancé Kaitlyn Russell, and by her great-grandchildren: Ryker and Jett Phagan and Liam Polombo.

A private family burial will be at the Mitchell Cemetery in New Durham.

Donations in the memory of Sylvia can be made to the Lakes Region Visiting Nurse Association (LRVNA).