Sylvia Alma Currie

The family of Sylvia Currie shares, with sorrow, the peaceful passing of their dearly loved mother on January 12, 2014 at Stirling Heights in Cambridge, Ontario. Sylvia Alma Currie, wife of the late Norman Currie (1984), dear mother of Gail Hossack (Clare) of Cambridge, Janice Christie (Brian) of Sault Ste. Marie, Heather Sanderson (Greg) of Ottawa, John Currie (Tracy) of St. Joseph Island and Barbados, Neil Currie (Susanne) of Brantford. Adored by grandchildren Andrea, Neil, Adam, Leah, Alex, Carl, Caitlin, Gillian, Eli and Drew, and eleven great-grandchildren. Sylvia was born in Sault Ste. Marie, second of eight children of Sylvio and Margaret (Petersen) Renault. Predeceased by brothers George, Stephen, Guy and Bob and sister Margaret and survived by sisters Alma and Marie of Wawa. Her early years were lived at Steep Hill Falls Hydro station near Wawa where her father was the resident engineer. She attended school in the north and Sault Ste. Marie, then teacher training in North Bay. Sylvia met Norman when they were teachers in Laird Township in Algoma District. They were married on Feb. 10, 1942 in Wawa. Norman Currie (Lt. Col.) was overseas in military service during some of the WWII years. They both worked in education in the Sault area until retirement. Sylvia always took great delight and pride in the accomplishments of her extended family - her students from the Soo and Garden River. And much love was returned to her. At Sylvia's retirement party the Elders of Garden River First Nation honoured her in appreciation of her efforts on behalf of their children. This pleased her immensely. During and after Sylvia's teaching and homemaking years, she provided service and leadership as President of United Church Women at St. Andrews United Church and Algoma Presbytery. She was awarded Life Membership after terms as Provincial President of the Superannuated Women Teachers of Ontario. Sylvia's creative side is recorded in the 25 beautiful quilts that she designed, crafted and gifted to her children and grandchildren. For decades Norm and Syl's cottage at Twin Lakes was the gathering place for family and friends for water sports, campfires, card games and Grandma's amazing cooking. Sylvia loved the North - she skied and snow-shoed the trails actively until she was 75. Her journey is remembered with love by family and all who knew her. Very special thanks to the Stirling Heights staff - part of our family for five years, to Mary Kelly (Sylvia's visiting companion) and to the Palliative Care Team volunteers. Visitation with family will be held Friday, January 17, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at T.LITTLE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE (519-623-1290), 223 Main Street, Cambridge. Sylvia's life will be celebrated in the funeral home chapel at 3 p.m. Memorial and burial at Sault Ste. Marie and St. Joseph Island at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations to Children's Wish Foundation of Canada (www.childrenswish.ca) would be welcomed.