You may have heard the news about a sixteen-year-old Indianapolis, USA, girl, who was beaten, humiliated, and ultimately left to die from severe abuse. In this article, discover Sylvia Likens parents and her personal details.
Sylvia Marie Likens was an American teenager who was just about to experience the wonders and beauty of life. But, she was tortured and murdered by her caregiver Gertrude Baniszewski.
Sylvia was a bright girl who was friendly, confident, and responsible. As per the resources online, she was described as an outgoing child who knew how to behave with the elders and loved the younger ones.
Her responsible trait could be observed since her teenage years. Through babysitting, running errands, and doing the ironing for friends and neighbors, Sylvia used to make little money.
Likens used to give her earnings to her mother for house expenditure without spending it for personal use.
Unfortunately, the beautiful soul left the world on 1965 October 26 because of the inhumane behavior of adults.
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Meet Sylvia likens Parents Lester And Betty Likens
On January 3, 1949, Sylvia was born, the third of her parents, Lester Cecil Likens and Elizabeth “Betty” France, five children.
Her parents were Carnival workers who traveled with carnivals selling food from a concession cart.
Lester, the father of Sylvia, only completed eighth grade; thus, to support his five children, he worked a variety of jobs.
He would have a laundry route, worked in factories, and even owned a small restaurant, but none of his work turned out successful.
Similarly, Sylvia’s mother, Elizabeth, worked with Lester and set out to sell candy, beer, soda, and carnival stands around Indiana throughout the summer.
Despite, their hard work, they always face financial difficulties and were not able to spend time with their children.
Sometimes, Sylvia’s brothers would travel with their parents to assist them in their job. However, Sylvia and her younger sister were forbidden from it concerning their safety and education.
As per the Sylviascac, In July 1965, Sylvia’s parents had to travel to the East Coast with the carnival. So, they agreed to leave their two daughters with Baniszewski for about four months until they returned in November of that year.
Little they knew that they would not meet their daughter ever again and had to spend their life in grief.
Sylvia likens Siblings Daniel, Dianna, Benny And Jenny Likens
Likens’s family was always filled with laughter and the voice of children.
Sylvia was the middle child of Lester and Elizabeth. In addition to Sylvia, they also had two pairs of fraternal twins: Benny and Jenny, who were one year younger than Sylvia, and Daniel and Dianna, who were two years older.
The eldest daughter Dianna was grown up and married. She lived near Indiana with her husband and son.
Similarly, two boys, Daniel and Benny Likens, were living with their grandparents and assisted their parents when they needed more helping hands for the business.
Then remained Sylvia and the youngest daughter Jenny who used to live with their parents most of the time. When Sylvia’s parents were out for carnival selling, they would go to the relative’s house or to their friends’ house.
Jenny Likens was shy, insecure, and limped from childhood Polio. Meanwhile, her sister Sylvia was outwardly more confident and always loved and supported her sister. The two sisters were there for each other throughout the time.
Maybe, their closeness was the reason that made the parents leave them together in the hand of the caregiver for some time when they were out of town.
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