Sybil was born on December 8, 1934 in Rainy River, ON to John and Ivy Johnson. With the exception of a brief period during World War II when she moved with her parents to Vancouver, she spent her childhood years on the family farm in Arbor Vitae. Although an only child, she was surrounded by a large extended family, with whom she was very close and shared many adventures. In her teens, she went to work at Helliar’s Resort in Nestor Falls, where she met Edwin Sletmoen, who became her husband of 67 years. They were married on May 28, 1952 and made their permanent home in the west end of Fort Frances. There they raised three sons and watched 7 grandchildren grow. After her boys were in school, Sybil went to nightschool herself, earning a highschool diploma. She then entered the workforce, being employed at Tichborne’s Insurance, Superior Propane, George Armstrong Co. and, finally, Asselin’s Transportation, where she remained till retirement, cheerfully rising to the challenge of dealing with “the guys” as the lone female employee.
Sybil’s world revolved around her husband and children. She spent many happy hours camping with them at Lake of the Woods, and, in later years, travelling (and shopping) with Edwin. There was nothing she loved more than gathering the family together, particularly at the cabin on Tupman Lake, which she and Edwin built together in 1979 and was her favourite place in the world. One of her greatest joys was baking for her family and friends, and the quantity and quality of her food was the stuff of family legend.
She was very proud of the family’s Scandinavian heritage. She and Edwin were active members of the Scandinavian Club in Fort Frances and Sons of Norway in International Falls. She combined her heritage with her love of baking to produce many traditional dishes, and made a point of passing those traditions on to the next generations. Her faith was also very important to her; she and Edwin were active members of the Church of the Lutheran Hour for many years. Mom also loved a competition. In her younger years, she was an avid softball player and bowler, and her grandchildren learned early to play cards and games with Grandma at their own peril.
Life changed forever for Sybil when declining health forced Edwin to move to Rainycrest Home for the Aged. They had been constant companions and she missed him terribly, visiting nearly daily. Ill health eventually led her to join him in Rainycrest in June of 2019, which was her dearest wish, and she goes now to join him again.
Sybil is survived by her three sons, Darrel (Wilma), Dwayne (Cindy Cameron), and Mark (Aya); eight grandchildren, Jennifer (Mike) Jurcevic, Joe (Melissa) Sletmoen, Paula Sletmoen, Christina Campagna, Ben Sletmoen (Chelsey Ogden), Laura Sletmoen, Christain Sletmoen (Lora Ngem), and John Sletmoen; six great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Robert (Linda) Sletmoen, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, all of whom were close to her heart.
She was predeceased by her husband and best friend, Edwin Sletmoen, her parents, John and Ivy Johnson, foster sister Shirley Fisher, in-laws Ole and Margaret Sletmoen, brother-in-law Ivar Sletmoen and sister-in-law Alma Korb.
Sybil will be fondly remembered by all who knew her for her frankness, her tenacity and her wicked and wonderful sense of humour. She will always be missed by a loving and grateful family.
A private family graveside service will be held and a public funeral ceremony will be announced when we are allowed to gather with family and friends.
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