Sylvia Macdowall

Sylvia Macdowall, known to generations of Reuters journalists, died at home in London on Tuesday.

She was 87 and until very recently was extremely active and sociable with a keen interest in culture.

Sylvia, a former art and history teacher, was the widow of former chief news editor Ian Macdowall. 

She was a legendary hostess to journalists and their families arriving on foreign postings, notably in Hong Kong when Ian was Asian editor. 

She is survived by a daughter and a son. 

Funeral details are not yet confirmed. ■