SYLVIA DEWAR (KOSKINEN)

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SYLVIA DEWAR (nee KOSKINEN) October 5, 1924 - October 30, 2003 Sadly, friends and family announce the loss of our dear Sylvia, who recently celebrated her 79th birthday. She leaves to mourn Ted (Edward), her husband and partner for the past 35 years and her care giver; sister Lydia Dennenfeld of 100 Mile House, BC; brother John Koski (Martha) of Enderby, BC; stepchildren, Ray (Judy) Dewar, Brian (Diane) Dewar, Wayne Dewar (Ackie) and Dianne (Duncan) Menzies; sisters-in-law, Joyce (Bob) Barker (Teulon, MB) and Doreen (John) Searcy (Calgary, AB) auntie-in-law Amy; special friends, Patricia Fraser, Kelly Fraser-Hunt, Rose Martin and Sheila Pierce; and the many children and grandchildren of relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her mother Sarah (Knox), her father George Koskinen; and her brother Sula. Sylvias early life challenged her to develop strong survival skills and a sense of responsibility for herself. She lost both parents early in life, her mother when Sylvia was a young child and her father when she was a young adult. Difficult family circumstances forced Sylvia at an early age to leave school and the learning which she loved and in which she excelled. Following two years of military service during the Second World War, she pursued a hairdressing career lasting approximately 20 years, several of which were spent at the Manitoba Rehabilitation Centre where she managed the beauty salon. While she never realized her dream of becoming a nurse, her experience in a medical facility led her to further training and employment as a nursing assistant in the Health Sciences Centre for approximately 10 years. After a short retirement, she returned to work as a home care worker with Drake-Medox for four years. In her final retirement, she volunteered at the Seven Oaks Hospital for a few years until she could no longer perform the required tasks. In caring for others, whether at work, at home or in the community, Sylvia responded to the needs of others without discrimination or prejudice, often sacrificing her time and resources, however limited. Born in Port Arthur, ON, Sylvia spent her earliest years in the rugged environment of Northern Ontario, the source of her love for natural environments and outdoor activity. In her adult years, she developed a special attachment to the town of Teulon where, firstly, she was able to enjoy rural life through her friend Rose Martin whose family lived on a farm in Teulon and then through visits with her sister-in-law Joyce and her family who reside in Teulon. Special, also, where her attachments to the dogs she nurtured over many years and to the children of friends and family whom she encouraged and supported in many ways over many years. In interacting with them, she could freely express her playful, sometimes mischievous side. Sports, such as bowling and curling, suited Sylvias sociable nature. She particularly excelled in bowling and won many trophies. Always an active Legion member, she served on the executive of the No. 1 Legion for a term and frequented the Monte Casino Legion until she died. She enjoyed annual trips to the West Coast with her husband, visiting relatives in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. She also enjoyed frequent visits with him to Las Vegas, NV. A gentle soul has left us. Sweet memories soften our loss. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Ave. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Manitoba Lung Association, the Winnipeg Humane Society or a charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 05, 2003