SYLVIA MARY THOMPSON

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SYLVIA MARY THOMPSON Sylvia Mary Thompson (nee Ferriday) died on Saturday, March 1, 2008. Sylvia was predeceased by her parents and her first husband William Garbett and an infant daughter. She leaves behind her beloved husband, Al Thompson and her daughters, Susan (Alexander) Snidal and Ann Buchan; also her grandchildren, Sebastian Snidal, Gillian (Adam) Moore, Christopher Snidal, Garry Buchan, and Sarah Buchan. Sylvia grew up in Staffordshire, in the Midlands of England. She attended Orme Girls School and the University of London, graduating with an education degree. She married William Garbett who died shortly after the birth of identical twin daughters of whom one, Susan, survived. A few years later, Sylvia moved to Canada with her mother and daughter, where she met and married Al Thompson. With that marriage, the family grew to included Susan and Ann. She taught for many years in the Norwood School Division, primarily at Queen Elizabeth School. Sylvia was always caring and supportive of her family. She was a devoted wife to Al and a loving mother to Susan and Ann. It was as a grandmother, that she shone the brightest. She looked after Sebastian, Gillian and Christopher for much of their childhood. One of the children's godparents refer to her as St. Sylvia for all she did. Sylvia, herself, would not have felt that she was a saint, just because she was doing what she loved. She and Grandad were loyal attendees at many soccer, baseball, basketball and volleyball games and she loved to hear of both the success at sport, music and dance and also the everyday life events of her children and grandchildren. She was very happy to have any of her grandchildren come to Nan and Grandad's . She was equally fond of her grandson and granddaughter, Garry and Sarah, and although separated by miles, kept them close in her heart. Sylvia was a member of the Mother's Union in England. She was also a member of the Alph Phi Mother's Club while Susan was at university. She worshipped at St. Mary's Anglican Church and latterly at St. Aidan's Anglican Church. She lived out the Christian life by her service, to her students, and especially to her family. She also liked a challenging discussion and somehow always seemed to win in the end! Sylvia enjoyed her association with the St. James Lawn Bowling Club and was happy watching and hearing about Al's games, and lately about Christopher's game also. She was a long-time subscriber to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and accompanied her daughter and grandchildren to every production. Sylvia loved to read and enjoyed a wide range of books. She also loved all animals, especially dogs. She eagerly adopted any family dogs. The Snidal dog, Millan, and the Buchan dogs, Lucy and Ava, always knew they could expect a treat whenever she visited. Wife, mother and grandmother, Sylvia died with her boots on , as she would have wanted. She was still an active and happy member of her extended family. She leaves us all with many happy, funny and beloved memories. The family would like to thank the Winnipeg Firefighters and Paramedics and the doctors and nurses of Health Sciences, especially Nurse Chad, for their help and kindness. A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m., March 11, 2008 at St. Aidan's Anglican Church 274 Campbell Street. Memorial donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Neil Bardal Inc. 949-2200 nbardal.mb.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 08, 2008