Sylvia Ellen Gilliard was born in the RM of Cameron on November 26, 1946 to Emile & Beulah (Dunn) Charles. She was the 4th youngest of ten children – Beatrice, Melvin, Earl, Leona, Norman, Bob, Sylvia, David, Donald, & Emily.
In her early years, Sylvia attended elementary and middle school in Maple Hill and Lauder and high school in Hartney. After completing her education, she moved to Souris to work at the dental clinic, a job she held until she married.
She married Rene Gilliard