Sylvia GEORGE

It is with heavy hearts we announce that Myrna Sylvia George passed away peacefully at home in her sleep with her husband Nick by her side on July 24, 2023 in Fernie, B.C. Sylvia faced her cancer diagnosis with determination, courage and grace. Her tenacious spirit was inspiring to those around her.

Sylvia is predeceased by her parents Marna and Gertrude Bradford; brothers Marna and Wayne; sisters Wendy Sue and Joanne Birnie. She is survived by her brothers Leland and Myles and sister Norma McCormick; her husband Nick of 60 years; her children Gerry (Tom), Lori (Cam) Kennedy, Chris (Louise) and grandchildren Nicholas, Parker and Morgan, who were her pride and joy.

Sylvia was born on January 20, 1942 in Fruitvale, B.C. She grew up in a loving family of eight children in Kimberley, B.C. Sylvia met Nick at a dance and they were married in 1963, settling in Fernie a few years later.  She attended hair dressing school early in her career but switched to early childhood education when her own children were older. Sylvia continued to cut all the neighborhood kids’ hair with trendy (at the time) mullets and soon enough the grandkids would be sporting them as well.

Sylvia ventured outside her comfort zone when a business opportunity arose to open a coffee shop at the Fernie ski resort. Along with her husband and two other couples, they ran The Grizzly Grind coffee shop where they made some wonderful memories.

In retirement, Sylvia was passionate about quilting and golf. She and Nick spent countless hours golfing on courses in the area. Her quilted pieces adorn the homes of all her children and close relatives and friends. She enjoyed the simple things in life such as a good game of cards, tending to her garden and spending time with family. Trips to warmer climates also helped shorten the long Fernie winters.

Sylvia will be dearly missed and remembered with love and admiration for the life she lived, her generosity and the legacies she has left for family, friends, and community.

The George and Kennedy families would like to thank the Home Health nurses and care team for their kindness and support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fernie Friends for Friends and Angel Flight East Kootenay.

As per her wishes, a small, private celebration of life with family will be held at her brother’s farm near Wasa at a later date.

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