SYLVIA MAY JOHANNESSON

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SYLVIA MAY JOHANNESSON Surrounded by the love of her family, Sylvia passed away peacefully on November 26, 2015, at the St. Boniface Hospital. Through our sadness, we are truly grateful for her 92 years, and for all that she was. Sylvia was predeceased by her beloved husband Bjorn, parents Herman and Lucille Bales, brothers Laverne and Bernard, and sister Beulah. She will live on in the hearts of her sons, Blair (Pat) and Don (Irene), granddaughter Kristjana (Brad), great-grandchildren Kolby and Kayllin, as well as her sisters Dorothy (Morris) and Vera (Rudy), and her brother Russell. Sylvia was born at Heaslip, Manitoba on October 19, 1923, moving to Winnipeg as a teen. She began her working years at Jeanne's Bakery. She then worked for the Air Force as a civilian, later at Winnipeg Supply, before retiring from BACM. In the late 1950s, the family moved from Norwood to Transcona, where Sylvia lived in the family home until 2007. She then moved to Lindenwood Terrace, followed by a brief stay at the Convalescent Home, then to Riverview Health Centre, where she spent the last three years. She loved the staff on C1 at Riverview and so appreciated all they did for her. After the death of her husband in 1979, Sylvia became a truly independent woman, getting her driver's licence in her mid-60s, buying her first car, travelling, while maintaining her home for 28 more years. She excelled at crafts of all kinds, won awards for her ceramic creations, taught herself to paint, sewed most of her own clothes, crocheted afghans (many of which she gifted, and are now treasured reminders of her), and knit all sorts of things. Her love of animals was unwavering. She was rarely without a dog during her life. Even at Riverview, she would always tell of visits by Carter and Jasmine, as well as Roar. She loved to sit outside in the summer, watching the birds and squirrels, sneaking a few breadcrumbs for the birds, and watching them splash around in the fountain. In keeping with Sylvia's wishes, cremation has taken place, and no service will be held. She will be interred with her husband on a sunny day in the spring. In lieu of cards and flowers, simply be extra kind to your (or a friend's) four-legged friend. Nothing would make Sylvia happier. The family would like to thank all the staff on C1 at Riverview, who worked tirelessly to provide a wonderful home, not only for Sylvia, but for the other residents as well. We would also like to thank all the special friends at Riverview, who were always so kind and caring. We will miss you all. www.seasonsfunerals.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 05, 2015