Sylvia was the third & youngest child, born to Peter and Esther Funk at home in Flowing Well Sask., on Nov. 21, 1939. As an infant, the family, including brother Melvin & Sister Ethel moved to Abbotsford, BC. As a child, Sylvia enjoyed singing in the church choir & playing piano. She graduated from Philip Sheffield & Abbotsford Senior High Schools, in 1957. She enjoyed Sewing, Cooking, Creative Writing & Choir. Sylvia was interested in the medical field, so she chose dental assisting, learning "Hands-on" at a dental office in Abbotsford after graduation.
After 4 years of dating, Sylvia married her High School Sweetheart, Bud Sawatzky in 1958. They settled in Vancouver & first child, Michael Dean arrived. After purchasing their first home in Richmond, BC she continued her dental assistant career until their second child Paddi-Lou Jeanette arrived. Third came Pamela Lynn 25 months later. Motherhood was Sylvia's favourite career & she did it SO WELL.
Bud's flying career moved the family to Edmonton twice, enjoying many summer camping trips to Penticton BC where they had many memorable times water skiing with family friends. At 35 years old, Sylvia had a respiratory emergency and had a near death experience that confirmed her faith. She took the opportunity to share this experience with many different audiences.
Sylvia also enjoyed her love of sewing & worked as an instructor for several years. She also worked as a Medical Assistant in Doctors offices for several years. She also attended courses in Creative Writing and Interior Design, including the University of Connecticut. In 1993 Sylvia started her own Decorating business, ”Make a House a Home". Daughter Paddi-Lou joined her and in 1996 working on "Street of Dreams" in Morgan Creek, & continued the business when Sylvia retired in 2000.
Bud & Sylvia enjoyed many years boating in their Cabin Cruiser with family & friends. Spending time with her 8 Grandchildren was a real joy, attending every recital & ball game. Sylvia loved being involved in her church with Bible studies, various events as well as being a witness for her Lord.
In the last few years Sylvia struggled with her health, but always stayed positive and thankful, even after losing the love of her life in 2017. As her family, we are SO very thankful for the nurses and care givers at both White Rock Seniors Village as well as Evergreen for Loving our Mom almost as much as we did.
Most of all, Sylvia enjoyed being a friend, partner, wife & Lover to her husband Bud - for almost 60 years. She loved her family and was very proud of them. She is thankful for the great choice of partners each of her children & Grandchildren have chosen: Mike & Joanne (Paige/Austin); Paddi-Lou & Allan Tieszen (Kyle/Meagan) (Tyler/Hannah) (Alanna/James); Pamela & Ken Cannon (Esther/Taylor) (Joshua/Rachel) (Katelyn) (Shaylene) and was so excited with the arrival of Great Grandchildren; River, Beth & Samuel Ewert, as well as Roger & Arthur Cannon.
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