Sylvia Casilda McClean

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye Sylvia Casilda McClean (nee Bailey), a woman whose strength, kindness and love was legendary among family, friends and fellow newcomers to this country.

Born February 10, 1937 in Nevis, Cotton Ground, West Indies, Sylvia passed away on January 24, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario Canada at the age of 86 years. She will be dearly missed by her husband, Lionel McClean, daughters, Yolanda McClean (Lloyd Hutchinson) and Melinda McClean (Paul Smith), and son, Dion McClean. She was the cherished grandmother of Tanisha, Darian, Juwaan, Juvai, Denver and Reece and will be missed by Jamila, Ashante and Chantea. She was a loving great grandmother to Kyla, Isabella, Ciara, Celina and Avery and will be missed by Damaine and Shelisa Smith and their children.

Raised to be a loving and caring woman, Sylvia in turn gave to others, all traits that she demonstrated as a mother. She had a quiet and gentle disposition, always treated everyone with kindness and generosity and acted with a heart of gold. For that, she was beloved by her family and friends. Sylvia couldn’t emphasize enough the value of education to her children and new-found friends as a way to better themselves. She was raised in the church and lived by Christian values.

For decades, Sylvia opened her home to everyone including newcomers to Canada. You were sure to get a meal or a decent night’s sleep if you were just stopping-by or needed a place to stay. Sylvia took pleasure cooking dinner for family and friends on New Year’s Day and relished everyone being together having a joyous time. She was everyone’s friend and always a favorite to take to theatre plays, sports events and formal engagements. She enjoyed attending her tea parties and her presence alone exhibited an air of Royalty. Her affection for family and friends knew no bounds and they responded in kind with the utmost love.

Sylvia will be dearly missed by her nieces, nephews and their families. Her surviving siblings, Florence Fernandez and Beulah Farrell, will hold her dear in their hearts.

This great woman will be forever remembered and missed by her family and friends. Sylvia is now resting in paradise with her Heavenly Father.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sylvia McClean can be made to the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Scholarships. To make a donation, you can send an e-transfer to [email protected] In the comments please write that the donation is in memory of Sylvia McClean and include your name.

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Question: Sylvia

Answer: Mcclean1937

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