Sydney Wright, 84, of Paducah, died Tuesday at her home.

Mrs. Wright was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, August 31, 1928. She attended Carleton College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. She later attended Illinois Institute of Technology, receiving a Master of Science degree in city and regional planning.

Sydney married Rodney Wright on February 16, 1966. Together, they formed an architectural and planning office in Chicago. She spent her career assisting with the design of passive solar buildings and children’s environment. Sydney co-authored two books, and received international recognition for the firm’s contribution to passive solar design, including her master planning of America’s first solar village in Soldier’s Grove, Wisconsin. (US News and World Report, the Today Show with Jane Pauley, European Conference on Architecture, First Solar Symposium in Sao Paulo, Brazil).

They relocated to Wisconsin in the 1980s and spent the past 15 years in Kentucky.

Sydney was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; and one sister.

She is survived by her loving husband, Rodney; one son, Tom Goelitz of Sedona, Ariz.; two daughters, Louise Bernier of Albuquerque, N.M., and Ann Goelitz of Mt. Kisco, N.Y.; her stepson, Weston Wright and his wife Janice of Westwood, Mass.; and her stepdaughter, Julie Wright of Telluride, Colo. She immensely enjoyed her four grandchildren, Joshua, Sara, David and Ian; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may attend a celebration of Sydney’s life Sunday, October 21, at 1 p.m. at their residence, 509 North 4th Street in Paducah.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

Lindsey Funeral Home of Paducah managed arrangements.