SYBIL WILLARD

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SYBIL WILLARD January 24, 1906 - July 2, 2005 In loving memory of Sybil Willard, aged 99, who passed away peacefully with her family by her side, at Princess Court on Saturday, July 2, 2005. Born in England January 24, 1906, Sybil immigrated to Canada with her mother and sister in 1919, and Dryden became their new home. Sybil is survived by her daughter Myrna and Joe Marion; and her eight grandchildren, Cecille and Tom Boughner (Mackenzie, BC), David and Deana Marion (Eagle River, ON), Doug and Frances Marion (Red Deer, AB), Jeff and Lucille Marion (Dryden, ON), Liz and Bill Lundstrom (Dryden), Yvonne and Wayne Kerr (Weyburn, SK), Mollie and Robert Kamm (Dryden), and Carol and Bob Gardam (Dryden). Also left to cherish her memory are her 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, foster brother Eric and Marg Sideen (Dryden), sister-in-law Ethel Podd (Calgary, AB), nieces and nephews, as well as relatives in England. She was predeceased by Frank, her husband of 59 years, in 1989; her daughter Mollie on February 27, 2005; and her sister Doris Bicknell in 1992. Sybil was well known throughout Dryden and surrounding area. She taught at Albert St. School for over 30 years, retiring as principal in 1968. Many will fondly remember her as their Grade 1 teacher! Sybil was always happy to meet up with former pupils. In 1965 when Lakehead University first offered Extension Courses in Dryden, she signed up and in 1978 at the age of 72, she obtained her BA degree with an English Major. Over the years Sybil gave much back to the community of Dryden, sitting on several boards and committees. She was on the committee that was instrumental in getting Dryden's Patricia Gardens Minimal Care Home for seniors, a place where she later spent many hours reading to the elderly until she herself was over the age of 90. In 1930, she helped start the Girl Guide movement in Dryden. Sybil was a lifelong member of the Anglican Church - belonging to the ACW and the church choir; a member and Past Noble Grand of the Easter Lily Rebekah Lodge; a member of the Canadian Bible Society and a weekly Bible Study Group. Sybil was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal in 2002. Sybil enjoyed the outdoors, music, theatrical performances, reading and travelling extensively throughout the world. She had a passion for her country, and wrote many letters to various government officials voicing her concerns with several different issues. She looked forward to family get-togethers - joining in games, singing, reading to the little ones and catching up with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren's lives. Gramma was an exceptional lady who will always hold a special place in our hearts. She will be greatly missed! A funeral service to celebrate the life of Sybil Willard was held Thursday, July 7 at St. Luke's Anglican Church, with Rev. Pat Cleghorn officiating. Should friends so desire, donations in Sybil's name may be made to the Princess Court Elevator Fund or the charity of your choice, through the Stevens Funeral Homes Moffat Chapel , P.O. Box 412, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1. On the last page of your life, may the angels write PEACE (written in Sybil's autograph book by a friend on June 21, 1918)

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 10, 2005