Sylvia Florence Mary Johnson

Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with a breath of kindness, blow the rest away.

George Eliot

Sylvia Johnson, beloved wife of Bryon (who passed away in 2003), cherished mother to Alexandra and son-in-law Greg Hawrysh, treasured grandmother to Greyson and Annika, and dear sister, cousin, aunt and friend to so many. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sylvia on August 8, 2025. Sylvia was surrounded by family and friends throughout the last days and hours as she passed.

Sylvia was born on December 27, 1938 to Leslie Samuel Johnson and Annie Comley Johnson. As the second eldest of eleven children, Sylvia was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, graduated high school from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate and professionally from Success Business College.

In 1962 love at first sight proved true when she met Bryon Johnson, an Englishman, whom she married two and a half months later. Sylvia worked as a secretary to her City Council, the Canadian Centennial Council and for her city’s Chief of Police. Bryon and Sylvia also travelled extensively together. In 1974 Sylvia and Bryon welcomed their only child Alexandra into their family.

Sylvia loved to travel. Sylvia, Bryon and Alexandra traveled all over Britain and Europe, Canada and the United States (particularly San Francisco and the Bay Area) together and they included their circle of family and friends as Sylvia's friends encircle the world.

After close to 41 years of marriage, Bryon passed away in 2003, but Sylvia would often say he would be proud to know that Alexandra is happily married to Greg Hawrysh, and that they have two beautiful children, Greyson (age 9) and Annika (age 5). Sylvia was known to tell anyone who’d listen “ I love those kids!” Everyone who knew Sylvia is well aware that her family, and especially her grandchildren, were her pride and joy. Her favourite people call her Grammie.

Sylvia was dedicated to her family and friends. She was beautiful, loving and she remains irreplaceable.

Throughout her life, Sylvia was extensively involved in her community, including P.E.O. Chapter O, Provincial Chapter and International delegations, Balmoral School for Girls, St. John’s Ravenscourt School, St. Charles Country Club, the Manitoba Club and with her Church, St. George’s Anglican Church (Crescentwood).

Sylvia was beloved to so many and will be sorely missed by family and friends throughout Canada, the United States and Great Britain. Friends near and far know that whether Sylvia is at home or traveling, her tea kettle rarely had an opportunity to cool off and she was always prepared to invite you for a cup of tea.

Sylvia loved life, adventure and people. Friends were integral parts of her life. Sylvia made significant and lifelong friendships near and far, demonstrating what a meaningful person she was. Throughout the years, Sylvia’s local and international friends have been a constant source of contact, friendship and most of all, they’ve shown an outpouring of caring and sharing, with true friends who have been nothing short of family in this time of need.

The shape of our family is forever changed, but our hearts and memories will forever be filled with her love. Time may move forward, but the love we have for Sylvia remains forever unchanged. We miss her more than words can adequately express.

She laughed. She loved. She lived.

“To live in the hearts of those you love is not to die.”

Ever Loved, Ever Remembered.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at St. George’s Anglican Church (Crescentwood) 168 Wilton Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Manitoba P.E.O. Foundation Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation to support the advanced education and financial needs of women or The CancerCare Manitoba Foundation to support prevention, early detection, clinical trials and leading-edge research and treatment.