SYLVIA ELLEN GILLIARD

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SYLVIA ELLEN GILLIARD

Sylvia Ellen Gilliard was born in the RM of Cameron on November 26, 1946 to Emile and Beulah (Dunn) Charles. She was the forth youngest of ten children – Beatrice, Melvin, Earl, Leona, Norman, Bob, Sylvia, David, Donald, and Emily.

In her early years, Sylvia attended elementary and middle school in Maple Hill and Lauder and high school in Hartney. After completing her education, she moved to Souris to work at the dental clinic, a job she held until she married.

She married Rene Gilliard in 1965, and together, they bought the family farm near Deleau, where they raised their four children – Richard (1966), Valerie (1967), Cheryl (1977), and Kelly (1979).

Sylvia worked alongside Rene on the farm, raising beef cattle, dairy cows, and pigs. Once the kids were old enough to be self-sufficient, Sylvia began working off the farm as a Retail Clerk at Saputo Cheese in Souris, then later as a waitress at Chicken Chef. Rene and Sylvia farmed full-time until 2007, when Rene lost his battle to cancer. Sylvia then rented out the land while she continued living in the family home. After 51 years on the farm, Sylvia moved into the Cameron Lodge in Hartney in 2018 and then sold the farm in 2020.

Throughout her life, Sylvia was a bundle of energy, always ready for friendly competition. She was an avid card player, often hosting family card games that went into the early morning hours. As a young girl, she played baseball on the Hartney girls' softball team, and later in life, she was a founding member of The Leftovers slow pitch team, a multi-generational family ball team. Keeping with the family sports theme, Sylvia spent many winter evenings and weekends at the curling rink with Rene and the kids, where they balanced their competitive spirit with family fun.

Sylvia passed away on August 2, 2024, at the Souris Health Centre at the age of 77. Warmest thanks to Dr Cram and the hospital staff for their compassionate care before her passing. A special thank you to Robyn Denbow and the Homecare team for their support during her years in the Cameron Lodge.

Sylvia was predeceased by her husband Rene; parents, Emile and Beulah; sisters, Beatrice (brother-in-law Henry) and Leona; and brothers, Melvin (sister-in-law Joanne), Earl, Bob, David, and Donald. Sylvia leaves to mourn her children, Richard (Laurie), Valerie, Cheryl, and Kelly (Phil); grandchildren, David Davis, Andrew Davis (Morgan), Kevin Gilliard (Kayla), Ryan Gilliard, and Dylan Swaenepoel; great-grandchildren, Skyler and Savannah, Nolan and Brooks, and Harper and Saylor; brother Norman (Diane); sister Emily (Steve); and sister-in-laws, Linda, Evelyn, Rose Marie, and June.

A Celebration of Life was held on August 13, 2024 at St. Jean's Catholic Church in Grande Clairiere, followed by a reception at the hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society or to CancerCare Manitoba in Sylvia's memory.

Messages of condolences

may be made at

www.kowalchuks.net

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 17, 2024, Aug 17, 2024