March 18, 1933 – March 3, 2018
In the quiet comfort of Hospice Wellington, Sylvia approached her final travel destination with the same calm spirit as marked her many worldly travels.
The Long/Gow team offered ongoing support as the departure date approached. Left behind, for this particular trip were Doug, with whom she had shared 62 ¾ years of marriage; her son Greg and his wife Briar (Monro) and their family, Cooper and Remi; her daughter, Andrea and her husband Shawn Gow and their family, Madeline, Graeme and Meredith; and her son Jamie.
In her earlier travels, Sylvia had visited many global destinations including several river trips in Europe and such other places of interest as the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Australia, New Zealand, the French Polynesian Is., Antarctica, Mexico, the Hawaiian Islands, Panama and Central America, the Mediterranean Sea, the Baltic, Norway, Iceland, Alaska, China, South Africa and the countries of South East Asia and she touched base in all the states of the USA and all the provinces of Canada.
While Sylvia loved to travel, she enjoyed a rich life with family and friends in her home locale; cottage life, theatre, symphony, golf, bridge, “dining out”, entertaining and “babysitting”.
Her career was a fascinating adventure as well. She earned her R.N. designation and a BScN degree in London and worked for the VON in London and Vancouver and later taught on the staff of the Hamilton General Hospital. She then decided to switch to a teaching career obtaining her teaching certification at Hamilton Teachers College and later her Masters degree in education at O.I S.E. She worked for the Wellington County Board of Education as a teacher, special education consultant and program consultant. Just before retiring from teaching she studied foot care at Conestoga College obtaining her basic and advanced (specialist) foot care certification. As a self-employed entrepreneur, she developed a full-time foot care business from which she retired in 2013.
Sylvia was an active member of the Guelph Overtones for over 30 years. She was a member of several nursing and teaching associations and more recently joined the Probus Club of Guelph and the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association where she enjoyed the activities of the bridge group and the choir.
Her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer came as a complete surprise. While she had instant and loving support of family and friends, it was Sylvia’s calm acceptance of her final journey that helped and inspired all of us.
Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051/www.wallcustance.com). It was Sylvia’s wish that cremation take place and a private gathering of family and close friends will be scheduled on a later date.
Floral tributes are gratefully declined; memorial donations to Hospice Wellington would be appreciated by the family.