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SYLVIA ELAINE PHILIPPS (KEMILA)
Date of Passing: Jul 09, 2020
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
SYLVIA ELAINE PHILIPPS
(nee KEMILA)
Beloved mother of Lisa Philipps (Bernard) of Toronto and Carol Philipps of Winnipeg (died 2009, survived by Virginia), and caring sister of Cliff Kemila (Carole) of Brandon and Beverly Kemila-Blake (Steve) of Georgetown, ON. Grandma Sylvia to Jonah and Levi, Auntie to Owen, Sylvia, Kathy, Dale and Mark, and Great-Auntie to Daphne, Christopher, Stephanie and Kim. Her extended family, many bridge, literary and yoga friends, and others who were lucky enough to encounter her friendly manner will also sadly miss Sylvia. The family is very grateful to her caring friend Colin Hodgson who brought her to medical care when she needed it.
She is predeceased by her parents, Emil Kemila (1968) and Ella Kemila (2015), her sister Clara (1982) (Peter) and brother Elmer (2005) (Sharon), and former husband Gerald Philipps (2013).
Sylvia was raised on a small farm, near the town of Niverville in southern Manitoba. She always described her childhood fondly, as being carefree, cared for and happy, with two siblings and barn cats as early playmates and two more siblings later. As the oldest daughter, her farm and household responsibilities expanded considerably as she matured, but she displayed an impressive sense of independence and responsibility in always doing her best, and also many natural talents.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba and worked in Winnipeg's renowned Rh Laboratory for many years. In later life, she changed career paths, and applied her precise verbal skills to a communications role in an engineering firm. She always made time in her busy life for volunteer work, connected with her daughters' activities and later with ESL. Sylvia was known for her voracious curiosity and thirst for knowledge. In retirement, she took every chance to expand her mind with travel, courses, book groups, and cultural experiences. Throughout her lifetime, her favourite activities were always bridge, exciting and challenging new books, and the company of good friends and family (preferably over a nice meal and a few glasses of wine.)
As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, family and friends may donate to a charity of their choice, in Sylvia's memory.
Cremation has taken place, and unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family cannot announce a memorial service at this time.
THOMSON FUNERAL HOME
(204) 783-7211
Condolences may be sent to
www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2020
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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I was lucky to have the chance to work with Sylvia at Vansco Electronics. What an interesting and fascinating person she was! Her science background was a good match for working with engineers. I had many talks with her about "books we should both read". Today, Sept 30, would have been her 80th birthday. Thanks for great memories, Sylvia! - Posted by: Walter Turchyn (Co-worker) on: Sep 30, 2020
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My condolences to Sylvia's family. I met her about 20 years ago as members of a challenging book club. She was always enthusiastic and well prepared. Her bookshelves were full, in her lovely apartments. She was a life-long learner, never gave up. In the last few years she would call to invite me to meetings and offer me a ride. I cherish her memory and will miss her. - Posted by: Elisabeth Kunkel (friend) on: Jul 24, 2020
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Sylvia was our neighbour on Laval Drive, Winnipeg. We all moved into the neighbourhood at similar times as it was new. Our children grew together through play and school. Sylvia was always cheerful and fun. We enjoyed every occasion we had to interact with her. Lisa and Carol were lovely friends for our children. How fortunate we were to have such special carefree times! To all the family, do rejoice in the wonderful gift of love and caring she has left for us all. We are thinking of you all. - Posted by: Gerry and Frank Prouten (former neighbours) on: Jul 20, 2020
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She was a great lady.. our thoughts and blessings go out to her family. RIP. - Posted by: Herman Kehier (A friend through many years of school.) on: Jul 19, 2020
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Sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Dennis & Marilyn Schultz (Cousin) on: Jul 19, 2020
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