Sydney Ann-Marie Hlavka, age 27, of Buffalo, earned her wings Thursday, April 17, 2014, while in hospice at Lake Ridge Care Center in Buffalo.

She was born Jan. 6, 1987, in St. Louis Park, the daughter of Thomas and Sheila (Hundt) Hlavka.

Sydney graduated from Buffalo High School in 2004. She was involved in volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, and played the saxophone in the high school band. During high school, she was employed at Bucks Pizza for many years.

Sydney graduated from Rasmussen College in 2007, with an associate in applied science/medical coding degree. After graduation, she worked as a veterans affair agent for IQOR in Golden Valley.

Sydney enjoyed snowboarding and wakeboarding, and summer was her favorite season. She loved summer so much, she wore her “Reef” flip-flops and signature zebra sunglasses all year-round, even in the winter.

A very loving and giving person, Sydney will be remembered by all who met her. She was a very unique and determined individual who worked hard to reach her goals. Her sky blue eyes, sunshine smile, vibrant personality, and contagious laugh will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her parents, Tom and Sheila Hlavka of Buffalo; brothers Aaron of Howard Lake, Anthony (Heather Radman) of Buffalo, and Jared Hlavka of Monticello; her paternal grandmother, Elaine Hlavka of New Hope; and maternal grandmother, Gerry Hundt of Buffalo.

Sydney is further survived by uncles and aunts John (Bonnie) Hlavka of Rosemount, Ann Marie (Frank) Schneider of Champlin, Mark (Ruth) Hlavka of St. Michael, Amy (Jim Chabot) Sworan of Phoenix, AZ, Mary Kay (Dan) Billadeau of Rochester, David Hlavka of Portland, OR, Karen (Warren) Ogden of Raeford, NC, Julie (Mark Nowak) Ollikain of Buffalo, and Susan Hundt of St. Louis Park; numerous cousins, relatives, and friends; and especially best friends Lia, Kyle, Sam, Josh, Aubbie, and BJ.

She is also survived by her kitties, Spooky and Lola.

Sydney was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Joseph B. Hlavka; maternal grandfather George Hundt; and uncles Jerome and Kevin Hlavka.