VIVIAN MARY SYME

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VIVIAN MARY SYME On Tuesday, March 29, 2011 Vivian passed away peacefully after a short struggle with cancer. Vivian was born on July 6, 1919 in Brandon, Manitoba. As a child she enjoyed Scottish dancing and later became an accomplished pianist. Vivian spent all of her summers at the family cottage at Carlyle (White Bear) Lake in Saskatchewan, where as a teenager she met her future husband Eric Syme. They were married in 1946 and lived all their life together in Regina. Vivian and Eric had many good friends in Regina with whom they socialized, curled, and played bridge. Summers were spent at the cottage at Carlyle Lake, where Vivian loved to swim, go fishing with the boys, boating with Eric and family walks. Vivian worked part time as a school secretary; after retirement she and Eric travelled in Great Britain and Ireland, cruised to Alaska and visited grandchildren in Winnipeg. They particularly enjoyed visiting son Ian in Banff and Lake Louise. Vivian had an independent spirit and continued to live in the family home after Eric passed away in 1999. She continued to see friends in her Hillsdale neighbourhood and we would like to thank the Pasklar family for helping Vivian at home. She moved to Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence in Winnipeg in July 2008 and thoroughly enjoyed her time there. While in Winnipeg Vivian enjoyed weekly family dinners with Ric, Zoria, Heather and Scott, and was often welcomed to larger gatherings of the extended Miller family. Surviving are Vivian's sister Lillian Jamieson of Mississauga, sons Ric (Zoria) of Winnipeg and Ian of Banff; her grandchildren Ryan (Andrea) of Canmore, Alberta, and Heather Miller (Scott) of Winnipeg, and new great-grandson Malcolm Syme of Canmore. Jean Cogger and daughters Barb, Jane and Judy were special friends and neighbours for 52 years in Regina. Vivian was predeceased by her husband Eric, parents Edward and Agnes Barnwell, brothers William and Gordon, and sisters Kay Barnwell and Jean Lowes. The family would like to extend their thanks to all the staff on the third floor ward at Grace Hospital for their many kindnesses and superb care of Vivian for the short time she was at the hospital. The staff at the Shaftesbury were particularly kind and helpful to our mother and she considered the residence her home. Jan Kothuber, the nurse at the Shaftesbury, was instrumental in monitoring Vivian's health, particularly in the past months. A celebration of Vivian's life will be held on Friday, April 1, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence. Friends so wishing may make a donation in Vivian's memory to a charity of their choice. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 01, 2011