Sybil Mary Horton

Sybil Mary Elizabeth Horton was a faithful wife, devoted and caring Mother (who after working late nights as a Nurse would get her girls ready for school early the next morning). She was a spiritual encourager and confidant, a skilled seamstress who made outfits and knitted socks for her girls. First and foremost she was a woman of deep faith, a woman of God. Her identity rested there. A quiet and unassuming woman, Sybil shared her faith by being of service to others. Family, friends and close associates described her as a woman with a gift of spiritual discernment. She listened in order to understand. The connections she made with people were deep and meaningful. Recently while enjoying the fresh air in the garden of St Joseph’s Hospital a woman recognised her as the person who picked her up to go to Bible study. Even in her near-silence in the latter months of her life when she was hospitalized at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Sybil made a significant impact on those drawn into her circle of care. Her humour, her quiet and strong spiritual demeanour was felt by all who came in touch with her. Of Sybil, one nurse said, “There’s just something about her. She’s a strong woman.”

Sybil was born in Guyana, South America on April 19, 1930 to the late Lawrice and Francine Louisa (aka Irene) Caines. She trained as a nurse in Guyana and had a career that spanned nearly four decades. She received her nursing license in New York State in 1960 and worked both in hospital settings as well as in the community. She once remarked that her work as a Public Health nurse was some of the most challenging, yet rewarding work she had ever done. After moving to Canada, Sybil received her Ontario Nursing license in 1974 and worked for many years at St. Peter’s Hospital and in long-term care facilities in Hagersville, Ontario. In 1986, Sybil was certified by the Ontario Nursing Home Association as a Nursing Home Administrator. She retired as the Administrator of Norcliff Life Center Retirement Residence.

Sybil loved all her siblings, and nurtured a special relationship with her second brother who inspired her academically, and at an early age, she went on to compete and pass her Junior Cambridge in Guyana South America. As an adult she looked forward to visiting with her Dad who always had special treats for her from the farm. Sybil grew to love music particularly the piano which she learned under the tutelage of her aunt and later fell in love with the guitar. While hospitalized she recalled one her favourite songs “One Day At A Time Sweet Jesus” and sensed that her departure was imminent. She used her skills on the piano and guitar in her ministry in various churches in Hamilton; Westmont Baptist Church, Kings St Baptist Church, Mount Hamilton United Church, and more recently Stewart Memorial Church and various Bible Study groups in the community.

Although a relatively reserved, proper, Christian lady, Sybil was also a woman who loved to have fun, loved to hear a silly story, loved a good laugh and good food. She had the most amazing smile. One of her favourite things in life was to go to lunch, (lunch pronounced with a long “ch” sound). An early-mid afternoon spent eating roast duck and rice at the “Only One” Chinese restaurant or a bowl of lentil soup filled her with joy. Unbeknownst to many, Sybil was quite adventurous. She did not learn to drive until well into her forties, and not too long after being licensed, drove 11 hours in her AMC Hornet to New York City.

She leaves behind George, her loving husband of 52 years; daughter Jacqueline, son in-

law Lester; daughters Kim, Beverly and Julia; grandchildren Leuanna, Kevin, Christine; great grandchildren Daryen, Larron, Ayanna, Nalayne, Daniel; brothers Hilbert and Compton (deceased), Sam; sisters Carmen (deceased), Miriam, Cynthia, Daphne; host of nieces and nephews; adopted children and grandchildren and many close relatives, extended family members and friends.

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Peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family on Sunday, June 8th, 2014 at the age of 84 years. Beloved wife of George for 52 years. Loving and adored mother of Jacqueline Christmas (Lester), Kim Barry, Beverly Horton and Julia Horton. Much loved grandma of Leuanna, Kevin and Christine and great grandma of Daryen, Larron, Ayanna, Nalayne and Daniel. Dear sister of Miriam, Samuel, Daphne, Cynthia, the late Hilbert, the late Compton and the late Carmen. Her family will receive friends at the Cresmount Funeral Home, 322 Fennell Ave. E. on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A celebration of her life will be held at Stewart Memorial United Church, 114 John St. N. on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at 2 p.m. If desired, in memory of Sybil, memorial donations can be made to a charity of choice. Her family welcomes you to visit, www.cresmountfennellchapel.com to view her memorial tribute.