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LYDIA JOHANNE SYKES Obituary pic

LYDIA JOHANNE SYKES

Born: Jul 23, 1937

Date of Passing: Apr 24, 2026

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LYDIA JOHANNE SYKES

(VAN DER CAMMEN)

July 23, 1937 - April 24, 2026


It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lydia Johanne Sykes, age 88, who left us peacefully on April 24, 2026, at Misericordia Place Personal Care Home in Winnipeg.

Born on July 23, 1937, in Winnipeg, Lydia lived a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a wonderful grandmother and great-grandmother.

Lydia met the love of her life and soulmate, Leslie Sykes, at age 15 and they were married on September 1, 1956. Together in 1960 they started a beautiful family, including four children, Todd (Shauna), Deborah (Bruce), Glen (Angie), and Alison (Chris); her six grandchildren, Blain (Jackie), Jordan (Laura), Ryan (Sarah), Sean (Jessi), Aidan (Jaden), and Liam (Emila); as well as her seven great-grandchildren, Bentley, Owen, Abigail, Jasper, Axl, Samuel, and Hailey.

Lydia was preceded in her death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Leslie, who passed away on May 31, 2025; as well as her brother, Patrick Van der Cammen; her parents, Sophie and Victor Van der Cammen; and her grandmother, Mary Pakulah.

Sweet Lydia will be remembered for her kindness, wonderful sense of humour, politeness, and her caring and giving nature. She was a happy person who was always laughing and smiling.

Family was all important to her and you could feel her love every time she gave you a hug, and that was always. Lydia was an emotional soul and even with her advanced Alzheimer’s she would tear up when you gave her a hug.

Mom had many interests including gardening and writing - she wrote children’s stories about her adventures with her grandchildren. She enjoyed the arts, musicals, plays, concerts, movies, and theatre. Lydia loved to travel and would write detailed notes all about their trips all over the world. She liked to look snappy when going out in her little red leather jacket and matching purse.

Lydia was passionate about learning and after the children grew up, she furthered her education at the University of Winnipeg and proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in 1983.

Lydia cared and looked after everyone from her granny to her great-grandchildren.

Lydia and Leslie were avid gardeners, spending time in their beautiful Wolseley river yard. They had fun and enjoyed each other’s company no matter what they were doing. Summers were spent at the family cabin at Bird Lake where lifelong memories were made.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Misericordia Place for their dedicated and compassionate support. A special thank you to Marc Asselin, her rehab assistant; her massage therapists, Maria Lamuro, Angela, and Ila; and companion visitors, Donna Joy and Diane Lewis. You all made a significant difference in improving Lydia’s quality of life.

A private gathering was held for the immediate family .

Lydia was the heart and soul of our family and we will treasure her love and the wonderful memories she gave us.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Misericordia Health Centre Foundation.

The family requests that friends visit the tribute wall at www.bardal.ca where condolences, photos, and stories may be placed for all to see.



Bardal Funeral Home

204-774-7474

Tribute Wall: www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2026

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