Sylvia C. Kokatnur, 88

Sylvia Cummings Kokatnur, 88, formerly of Belle Mead, died in Lompoc, CA on November 1.

In addition to living in Belle Mead for 46 years, Sylvia was a signature member of the Garden State Watercolor Society and the New Jersey Water Color Society. Her awards include a Best in Show as well as the Winsor Newton award for excellence in watercolor.

Born in Rochester, NY on February 7, 1931, she was one of two children. She married Arvind V. “Koke” Kokatnur, on February 20, 1954. They raised three children in Belle Mead: Naren, Rani, and Deen.

Sylvia was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, and found joy in painting throughout her life. She studied fine arts at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY and worked as a textile designer in New York before marrying and moving to Belle Mead, where she raised the family and lived with Koke for 46 years.

She was a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, and her work was exhibited in many locations including the offices of Bristol-Meyers Squibb in Princeton.

She and Koke moved to Lompoc in 2001 and Sylvia continued to paint. She was a member of the Lompoc Valley Art Association. Her numerous works will be treasured by her family and friends for many years to come.

She is survived by her husband Arvind (“Koke”), and her children: Naren Kokatnur of Duck Creek, UT; Rani Falconer, LTC, USAF (Ret.) of Lompoc, CA; and Deen Kokatnur of Charlotte, NC; and two grandchildren, Zachary Kokatnur and Joshua Kokatnur.

She was dearly loved and will be missed by all,

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to “Return to Freedom.”