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 in 1965, and together, they bought the family farm near Deleau, where they raised their four children – Richard (1966), Valerie (1967), Cheryl (1977), & Kelly (1979).
Sylvia worked alongside Rene on the farm, raising beef cattle, dairy cows, and pigs. Once the kids were old enough to be self-sufficient, Sylvia began working off the farm as a Retail Clerk at Saputo Cheese in Souris, then later as a waitress at Chicken Chef. Rene & Sylvia farmed full-time until 2007, when Rene lost his battle to cancer. Sylvia then rented out the land while she continued living in the family home. After 51 years on the farm, Sylvia moved into the Cameron Lodge in Hartney in 2018 and then sold the farm in 2020.
Throughout her life, Sylvia was a bundle of energy, always ready for friendly competition. She was an avid card player, often hosting family card games that went into the early morning hours. As a young girl, she played baseball on the Hartney girls’ softball team, and later in life, she was a founding member of The Leftovers slow pitch team, a multi-generational family ball team. Keeping with the family sports theme, Sylvia spent many winter evenings & weekends at the curling rink with Rene and the kids, where they balanced their competitive spirit with family fun.
Sylvia passed away on August 2nd, 2024, at the Souris Health Centre at the age of 77. Warmest thanks to Dr Cram and the hospital staff for their compassionate care before her passing. A special thank you to Robyn Denbow & the Homecare team for their support during her years in the Cameron Lodge.
Sylvia was predeceased by her husband Rene, parents Emile and Beulah, sisters Beatrice (brother-in-law Henry) and Leona, and brothers Melvin (sister-in-law Joanne), Earl, Bob, David, and Donald. Sylvia leaves to mourn her children Richard (Laurie), Valerie, Cheryl, and Kelly (Phil); grandchildren David Davis, Andrew Davis (Morgan), Kevin Gilliard (Kayla), Ryan Gilliard, and Dylan Swaenepoel; great-grandchildren Skyler and Savannah, Nolan and Brooks, and Harper and Saylor; brother Norman (Diane); sister Emily (Steve); and sister-in-laws Linda, Evelyn, Rose Marie, and June.
A celebration of life was held on August 13, 2024 at St. Jean’s Catholic Church in Grande Clairiere, followed by a reception at the hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society or to Cancer Care Manitoba in Sylvia’s memory.
So sorry to hear this sad news. Sylvia was a great friend to Doug’s sister Kay.
She will be missed, she always had time to chat and asks what’s new in the rm. heaven just got themselves another angel. Condolences to the family & many friends.
Our deepest condolences. Sincerely Cathy and Kenn
Richard, Val, Cheryl and Kelly,
Sending my sympathy on the loss of your Mom.
Sincerely,
Pam Whitfield
Former neighbour on the farm
Sorry for your loss. She was a nice lady I’m going to miss seeing her around
My sincere condolences to Richard, Val, Cheryl & Kelly on the loss of your Mom.
Sylvia was a wonderful lady and her family was everything to her. I send you all healing prayers and a comforting hug.
R.I.P. Sylvia
So sorry to hear of Sylvia’s passing. Our sincere condolences to the family.
to your families–
sympathy to you all–oh how she loved to have fun and a good laugh–
Our sincerest condolences to Sylvia’s family.
Jack and I were sad to
Hear the news of Sylvia’s passing . We had many great visits on the farm with Rene and Sylvia.
Always had time for a visit and a cup of coffee. She loved her family and was proud of them all. She will be missed by one and all that knew RIP Sylvia
Thinking of you with deepest sympathy
Our deepest condolences to all.
Sylvia will be missed by all who knew her
I remember early mornings milking cows and slopping pigs.
I remember slow pitch games on warm summer days and the smell of fresh cut grass.
I remember curling games where Uncle Rene would get Auntie Sylvia mad on purpose and she would sweep so hard you thought the ice would melt and then make the most amazing shots. Then he would wink and smile a wry little grin.
I remember headlights coming down the driveway at bedtime on school nights and card games that lasted until the wee hours of the morning.
I remember laughter bouncing off the walls and sometimes (okay more than sometimes), language that would make a drunken sailor blush.
Right now it is hard to see past the pain, but if grief is the price we pay for love, I will pay it. I owe a lot.
Condolences to Sylvia ‘s Family !
Sylvia lived life with enthusiasm. She was a very dedicated fan of broom ball , fundays ball and loved to visit at bingos. she will be missed.
Our deepest condolences to Val, Rick, Lori, Cheryl, Kelly and extended families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of pain and sorrow. Keep those special memories close to your hearts to help you get through these difficult times. So sorry for your loss. Hugs.
Sending our deepest sympathies from Jimmy and I.
My dear cousins, there is nothing I can say that will take away the pain you are feeling though I wish I could be with you at this time I want you to know my prayers are. Mark said it all as to what our family time were like with you all. My parent could not have chose better for my god father and your mom was like my second mom. She will be dearly missed. My love to you all.
Dana
Sincere sympathies in the loss of Sylvia. Enjoyed her laughter and humour so much. Cherish the good times!