SYLVIA FRIESEN (GORLICK)

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SYLVIA FRIESEN (nee GORLICK) June 15, 1933 - January 24, 2014 It is with very heavy hearts we say good-bye to our wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, Sylvia Friesen (nee Gorlick), on Friday, January 24, 2014 after a long and valiant struggle with Multiple Systems Atrophy. Left to mourn Sylvia are her husband of 57 years, Dave; son David; daughter Allison; son-in-law Steve; granddaughters Alex and Jacqueline; sister Edith and husband Bob; Gorlick sisters-in-law Helen and Alice; cousin Vera; the Friesen family: Ruth and Vern, Sue and Rudy, Edith and Dave, and very special friends Sylvia H., Lorna, Harold, Liz, Ken and Georgina who frequently made her days much brighter during a difficult time. She was predeceased by her parents and brothers, George, John and Purvis Gorlick. Sylvia was born to Jack and Victoria Gorlick on her Dad's birthday, June 15, 1933, on a majestic farm close to Inglis (Lennard), Manitoba. The farm was her special place and one she continued to visit. She left home at the tender age of 16 to train as a teacher in Winnipeg but soon found a long and happy career at the Royal Bank. Sylvia met and married Dave Friesen in Atikokan, Ontario. They ultimately settled in Winnipeg to raise their two children. She continued to work for RBC and became one of its oldest and longest serving employees retiring at the age of 75. She loved the culture at RBC and the people she worked with - making many special and long lasting friendships. Sylvia demonstrated to her children the value of a strong work ethic, to appreciate the accomplishments of others and to strive to learn. As a young mother and during a time when it was less accessible to obtain a university education, Sylvia enrolled at the University of Winnipeg with a passion for Literature, Psychology and Philosophy. She had a very special bond with her only sister, Edith Rowell, who as a young bride moved to Florida and settled in South Carolina. Despite the distance, the "Gorlick Sisters" made a practice to see each other frequently, shared many laughs and were a great source of amusement to their daughters. On Saturday, February 1, 2014 Sylvia's Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Westwood Presbyterian Church, 197 Browning Blvd. The family respectfully declines flowers. Should you wish to make a donation please consider investing in brain illness research. A very special thank you is extended to the doctors and staff, especially Doctors George and Joshua, at the Grace Hospital for their diligence and compassion in Sylvia's care during the final three months of her journey. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204-897-4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2014