Sylvia "Tia" Mary Unkovich

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear Aunt Sylvia "Tia" Unkovich at the grand age of 90. Sylvia passed peacefully on April 26 at her home of the past four years, South Granville Park Lodge. Sylvia, the youngest of three sisters, was born and raised on Turner Street in East Vancouver. The family enjoyed many happy times with the Croatian community there.

She attended Our Lady of Sorrows School and Britannia High School. Her first career was in secretarial work where she rose to Executive Assistant for the CEO. She switched careers, earning her BA and Teaching Certificate at UBC and her MA at Western Washington University. She taught English with the Vancouver School District teaching and later as department head at various high schools, including Van Tech, Lord Byng and Gladstone.

Upon retirement, she continued as a teacher on call at private schools and marked provincial and IB Program exam papers. She had long-lasting private tutoring relationships that she treasured. Sylvia's true vocation was as an educator and she changed the lives of countless students with her energy, passion for learning, and belief in her student's potential.

In her spare time, Sylvia was a very active member of the Vancouver Lawn & Tennis Club. She enjoyed playing bridge and spending time with her many friends and family, especially her nine Great Nephews and one Great Niece. She was an avid reader, a patron of the arts, a fan of the dining scene and dinner parties, and loved a good croissant and latté. She also tackled the game of golf. As much as she enjoyed this new game, she let us all know she was a much better tennis player than golfer!

Sylvia is survived by her loving nephews, Ian Christie (Marie), David Christie (Kristin), John Martincic (Patti). Also survived by her great niece & nephews, Gabrielle & Jean Luc Christie, Colton & Logan Christie, Johnny, Jason & Cody Martincic, Jared & Tyson Bellusci, along with their families. She is also survived by her Aunt Frana and the rest of the Matich family. Sylvia was predeceased by her sisters, Florence Christie (Dave), Frances Martincic (John), niece Catherine Bellusci and nephew Rick Martincic.

Her family remembers, among other things, her generosity, zest for life, and love of family. For many years, the cry of “Tia is here!!” would greet her entry to family events. In her typical style, she was dancing, dressed in red, up until a week before her passing.

The family would like to thank the staff, recreation team and caregivers at South Granville Park Lodge for their kind and compassionate care of Sylvia over the past four years. Rest in Peace Tia, we love you and will miss you.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows Church on May 14 at 11:00 AM followed by Interment at Ocean View Cemetery. Reception to follow at 1:00 pm. In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Society.