Sylvia passed away peacefully, leaving family and friends who loved and cared for her so deeply.
Sylvia born in Leduc, AB, the daughter of Humphrey and Muriel Horton was predeceased by brother Leslie, husband Tom and daughter Pat.
She will be remembered by sons Rick (Dee), Don (Natalie) & Tim (Linda) & grandchildren Sean, Ryan, Rebekah and Corbin as well nieces and nephew and great nieces and nephews in Alberta, and cousins in Ontario. Also, by her adopted family in Nanaimo to whom she became Grandma Lawrence and by her many friends.
Sylvia grew up in Leduc, Lamont and Mirror, AB. She received her nursing certificate in 1955
from Medicine Hat General Hospital where she worked in the nursery after graduating. After marrying she lived in quite a few places as Tom was in the military and her nursing experience was an invaluable tool to finding work as they travelled. They lived in Gimli, MB, Zweibrucken, Germany, Moose Jaw, SK, Holberg, BC and finally settled in Courtenay in 1975 where she lived over 40 years before moving to Nanaimo.
While living in Courtenay her two favourite jobs were working as head nurse at HMCS Quadra, and as Supervisor for Home Maker Helpers, caring for and coordinating care for the elderly in the valley. She was also greatly involved with the Canadian Daughters where she became President.
After retiring she continued her caring ways by volunteering at the hospital & spending many hours knitting baby outfits, blankets, barbie doll clothes and sweaters for her family and friends and charities. Stray cats (one at a time, not in a bunch) seemed to know that she was the one to save them and there was always a very lucky cat living with Sylvia.
Many a child had the pleasure of listening to her stories or reading her poems. Just give her three unrelated words and the story magically appeared. Bath time with Grandma (also known as Mama) was always a treat for the little ones.
Her last year and a half was spent at the Nanaimo Seniors Village where, even though dementia had robbed her of most of her memory and in the end, her health, the twinkle in her eye, her gentle nature and loving ways were there to remind us always of the wonderful person she was. The staff loved her singing which she did everyday (and could remember more words than the average person ever could), always cheering up the residents with her enthusiasm and humour. She quickly became a favourite to all.
Sincere thanks to Lee and Sue Rogers who watched over Sylvia in Courtenay after Tom's death. She could not have stayed in her house for as long as she did without your invaluable assistance. And to Suzanne and Enayat Moshrefzadeh and family who insisted on having Sylvia in Nanaimo where they could always be close by. Their many visits were invaluable not only for Sylvia but for the family as a lifeline to her. Your love for Sylvia was a special gift that she always cherished. Thank you also to Nanaimo Senior's Village's staff and care workers.
No one is truly gone as long as we remember them, so no goodbyes, just good memories.
A celebration of life will be held at Comox Valley Funeral Home, Cremation and Reception Centre, 1101 Ryan Rd Courtenay BC, March 7, 2020 at 1 pm. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations made to your local SPCA or children's hospital would be appreciated.
Comox Valley Funeral Home