EILEEN SYKES

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EILEEN SYKES Mrs. Eileen Sykes (nee McTavish) passed away on Sunday January 27, 2002 at the age of 94. Born at LaVallee, ON, Eileen was one of a family of 13 children. She is survived by sisters, Kay Whalen and Jean (Tom) ONeil of Fort Frances, ON and Belle Lofgren of Penticton, BC and their families. Eileen came to Winnipeg to study at business college and subsequently enjoyed many years working with Dr. T. Glen Hamilton M.D. in his medical practice and in his internationally acknowledged Psychic Research. In later years she was employed by the Manitoba Government in the Department of Agriculture. In 1936 she met and married Stan Sykes and through 44 years of happy marriage they enjoyed hobbies of gardening, bowling, cycling and travel. Eileens talent for writing resulted in the publication of childrens books of verse and stories, and many magazine articles. She enjoyed membership in local writers groups, the Manitoba Writers Guild and the Canadian Authors Association. In 2000 the Manitoba Writers Guild established the Eileen McTavish Sykes award for Best First Book by a Manitoba Writer, to be awarded annually. Eileen did not have children of her own, but lovingly cared about the children of her friends and neighbours and in her senior years she thoroughly enjoyed reading her work to children in the schools. She taught Sunday School at Riverview United Church and strongly supported the work of the Big Sisters Organization, Cancer Care for children and the CNIB. She was a Past President of the Princess Elizabeth Hospital Guild. In the past 18 months Eileen resided at Thorvaldson Intermediate Care Centre and was extremely grateful for the loving care given to her by all the staff. Special thanks are extended to Shirley Hodkinson and Ibolya Ban, and to Grace McKay for her friendly visits. Her friends are grateful to Blake Morden R.N. and Dr. Kevin Friesen and staff at St. Boniface Emergency Department for their care in her final hours. A celebration of Eileens life will be held on Saturday, February 2 at 11:00 a.m. at the Riverview Health Centre Chapel, with Rev. Russell Wardell officiating. Eileens work is preserved as a historical record for future generations in the Archives of the Dafoe Library at U of M. In order to support the work of this department if friends desire, donations may be made in her name to: The Archives Fund (University of Manitoba), Department of Private Funding, 179 Continuing Education Complex, Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 31, 2002