Sylvia GRAHAM

With mournful hearts, we announce the passing of Sylvia Drusilla Graham (nee Bryan) on Thursday, April 21, 2022 in Sidney B.C.

Sylvia was predeceased by grandparents Drusilla Bryan of Birmingham and William Bernard Bryan of Larne, Ireland. Elizabeth Breaker of Brigus, NFLD and William Marshall of Bay Roberts, Newfoundland. Parents Edmund Bernard Bryan and Vera Marshall both of Vancouver, former husband Warren Wright and step brother Robert (Bob) Harrop. Son Kevin Neil Wright (at birth) and daughter Shannon Dora Wright (at birth).

Sylvia is survived by husband Albert, Sister Ann (Gary), Brother Bill and Step Sister Merle. Also children Geoff (Nerissa), Cindy (Tim) and Nora. Grandchildren Sasha, Emma, Johanna, Abigail and Jed. Nieces and nephews Deb (Norm), Christine, Kevin (Vanessa)and Dallas.

Sylvia was born in Vancouver on February 19, 1941, where she spent her first 2 years with her parents. Her younger years were spent in Lynn Valley, North Vancouver, sadly losing her father at the age of 6. She and her siblings had a tough start in life but she always chose the path to be strong, forgiving and happy. She left school at 16 to work for BC Tel as a phone operator, then as a dental assistant in New Westminster.

Sylvia decided to leave BC with an opportunity to share an apartment in London, Ontario. She got a job at a coffee shop on Main Street next to IBM where she met Warren in 1958. A year later they were married. She and Warren had 5 children, 3 of whom survived. They moved to Calgary in 1969. As a very supportive mother of three, she loved to cook, sew and make holidays special, especially Christmas.  As the kids got older she worked at BC tree fruits as a secretary and then at Alberta Children’s Hospital Administration.

It was through Warren that Sylvia learned to drive and to shoot target rifles, which was a lifelong interest. They also formed an interest in Country music where she was often singing and playing guitar at the recording studio built by Warren in their house. They divorced in 1978 but always remained friends for the rest of their lives, often attending the same family functions.

Sylvia moved to Vancouver in 1988, then to Victoria in 1992. She worked for BC Children’s Hospital Vancouver and then at BC Health in Victoria. She moved back to Calgary in 1994 and married Albert Graham, the widower of her good friend Gail. In Calgary she worked at Bernard Callebaut and for her son before she retired. Back in Calgary she enjoyed being with family, especially her children and grandchildren.

In 2016, Sylvia moved back to Victoria and then to Sidney where she enjoyed visiting the little shops and restaurants, walks along the beach and being closer to her family.  She had an interest in getting to know those around her and was always generous with her time and support.  Although her health declined, she always remained strong, caring and kept her sense of humor.

Sylvia’s hobbies included travelling, music, guitar, native crafts, sewing, knitting, cooking, making espressos, dog sitting, grandchild and grand-dog sitting, walking and beach combing. She loved celebrating holidays, 1950’s classic movies and classic movie stars.  With her tablet in hand, she was always reading up on current events, history, and sending email laughs to family and friends.  An entertainer at heart, she enjoyed being silly, whether she dressed up for laughs on Oscar nights in front of her tv or putting on puppet shows for children.

Looking back on Sylvia’s life, it was about growing, learning, sharing and forgiveness. She set an example for all of us and she will be greatly missed.