The Rocke and Nightingale family are saddened to announce the passing of Sylvia.

Sylvia was born in Slovenia in 1925, but moved to Toronto with her father, when she was 2 years old. 

No sooner had the rest of the family joined Sylvia in Canada, the country was immersed in the Great Depression.  But Sylvia and her 3 siblings and her parents perservered.  Sylvia eventually trained to be a secretary and obtained a government position and made a career of it, while being a single mom.  She raised her son Joseph well, and encouraged him to become a successful university graduate in engineering.

Sylvia retired from her job with the federal government, at the age of 65, only to immediately find another job, in sales. 

Sylvia always said that she was the happiest when she was at the office, in the company of her co-workers.  Her favourite expression was, "It's always great to get up and go to work in the morning; it keeps you young!"

Sylvia finally retired for good from working at age 80.  But she developed a bad habit.  Sylvia loved to buy lottery tickets, for small amounts of money. Sylvia often won small jackpots, but the "big one" was always eluding her, and always motivating her to take walks to the Cloverdale Mall, see old friends, have a sandwich with them, and buy another lottery ticket.  She always had a twinkle in her eye, when it came to taking her daily walks to the mall.

But the years began to catch up and 5 years ago, Sylvia's heart developed a troublesome leaky valve.  On April 17, her heart finally gave up, trying to overcome the inevitable.

Sylvia is deeply loved and will always be remembered by her son Joe, her sister Helen, her sister in law Mary, and her nephews Bill and Bob. 

Sylvia is to be remembered for her strength and determination.  Sylvia overcame adversity, always bounced back and landed on her feet.

Sylvia was a practicing Catholic her whole life. 

Sylvia was a determined woman of faith, who loved her family, loved being with people, and loved her life in Canada.