Sylvia Marilyn Balfour

On a beach, almost seventy years ago, Russell spied a striking woman wearing a black and white bathing suit. She sported a bold blonde streak through her brunette hair. Russell approached Sylvia and asked her to the dance. Sylvia turned to him, and without missing a beat, asked, “Does your mother know that you’re out?” And so began the festive union of Sylvia Marilyn Nicholas and Russell Balfour. As Sylvia would say, we got to be “silly buggers.”

Sylvia was an extraordinary woman – committed to her marriage, to her children, to her career, and to the arts. Her life brought warmth, laughter, and meaning to many people.

Sylvia was born December 1st, 1934, in Edmonton Alberta to Ann and Michael Nicholas. She adored her siblings Arlene and Rodney.

Sylvia moved all over Canada with her sister Arlene, Rodney and her mother following her father’s Air Force career. She studied fashion design in Montreal, worked for Gilette Canada. She married Russell August 3, 1957, but not before she sent him on a goose chase looking for an elusive brown, square-cut diamond ring.

Their union gave birth to three children: Peter, Erin, and Jon. To Sibbi’s great delight, she had six grandchildren underfoot to spoil with Sun Chips, paper dolls, trips to Paris and Shirley Temple cocktails enjoyed in the lounge after days splashing in the pool.

In the tapestry of a life, vocation is one thread—but for Sylvia, it was a vital and vibrant part of her legacy. She sought work outside of the home in the seventies – when this was a radical act. She went on to build her own communications company. She also supported the local high school’s co-op program and championed young women in the community. She presented the Business Award every year. She chaired professional business associations and mentored many men and women.

Sylvia had a zest for life that never waned. Weekends Sibbi loved to tend her garden or curl up with a novel and a cup of coffee. Music echoed from the lounge. Russell grilled steaks for all. She loved going to a farm market as early as possible on summer mornings to buy flowers and fresh fruit and vegetables. She never got tired of summer.

To capture a life in words is to attempt the impossible—no obituary can contain the fullness of a spirit so vibrant, a story so rich. What remains is not the chronology, but the imprint it leaves.

Let us remember not only Sylvia’s achievements, but the moments of laughter, comfort, and our great conversations around the Sunday dinner table—the tapestry of everyday joys and sorrows. In our grief, let us find solace in gratitude for her enduring love for her family.

Sylvia died on Friday September 5th, 2025, after a long duel with Alzheimer’s disease. She is survived by her devoted husband, Russell, her three children and their partners; Lynne, Leon and Lisa, her grandchildren; Sophie, Spencer, Julia, Bridget, Matia, and Krizia.

Cremation has taken place. A private family Celebration of Sylvia’s Life to be held.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Alzheimer's Society would be appreciated

by the family. Donation cards are available at the Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel 1099 Gordon St., Guelph or online at www.gilbertmacintryreandson.com