Sylvia Campbell

Sylvia was born to the late William J. MacNeil and Anna Mae (Buchanan) MacNeil on October 24, 1932 in Sydney, NS. She graduated from Holy Angels High School and Cape Breton Business College before going on to work at the Provincial Court - Family Division in Sydney (1973-1974).

After an unusual “meet-cute” at a wake in Sydney, Sylvia married Peter M. MacPherson in 1952. Their family, including six very busy and noisy children, enjoyed summer vacations and holiday weekends at their second home in Big Pond Centre, Cape Breton. Upon the death of her husband Peter, Slyvia moved to Halifax with their children. She was then employed at the Halifax Infirmary, Queen Street in the Occupational Health Department for fifteen years.

Sylvia had a wonderful sense of humor, enjoyed gardening, and never said no to a cup of coffee with something sweet. Mom was the sole mint-supplier in our universe, stashing a mint in every pocket. She was a devoted friend who loved talking endlessly on the phone and sending greeting cards, always enjoying the opportunity to keep in touch with family and friends near and far. She was a friend to Bill W. for 49 years. Sylvia was a master bargain hunter finding many treasures for her granddaughter, Melissa. She was a member of the CWL at St. Theresa’s Church, Sydney and St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Halifax for many years. In her retirement, Sylvia enjoyed traveling across the world and ended up spending several winters in Redington Shores, Florida. She was always the best dressed in every room, hair perfectly coiffed, matching jewelry, and a beautiful purse (which she undoubtedly offered you a mint from the bottom of).

She will be greatly missed by her children, Jim (Lan) MacPherson of Cowichan Bay, BC, Anne Marie McKenna of Halifax, NS, Mary Lee MacPherson of Edmonton, AB, Paul MacPherson of Kelowna, BC, Peter MacPherson (Sarah Irwin) and Trish MacPherson of Hackett’s Cove, NS. She is also survived by her step-children Frank Jr. (Holly) Campbell, Royden (Heather) Campbell, Jim, Jackie, Joanne and Andrew Abraham.

Sylvia is survived by her grandchildren, Melissa McKenna, Peter and Neil MacPherson, Thuy Linh Nguyen, great- granddaughters, Thanh Lam Nguyen and Julie Phan and step-grandchildren Amy Buckley, Emma Campbell, Jason and Natasha Campbell, and Andrew Abraham. She will be missed by her sisters-in-law, Helen MacNeil and Carmella Clarke, her nieces, Judy MacPherson Lutes and Karen MacNeil, her godchild, Cara Jessome, Sydney, NS. as well as many nieces and nephews.

Sylvia is survived by her brother Malcolm MacNeil, Sydney, NS. She was predeceased by her siblings, John, Margaret and George MacNeil, and her husbands, Peter M. MacPherson, Sydney, NS, Jim Abraham, Halifax, NS and Frank Campbell, Yarmouth, NS.

We want to thank Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home, especially the amazing 3rd floor staff for their patience, care, and love. Visitation is at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax, NS from 3-7pm on November 9, 2021. A funeral service is scheduled at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church 1725 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS at 11am on November 10, 2021. In lieu of flowers, Sylvia’s family asks that donations be made to: Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, ALS Society of Nova Scotia or Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.

To leave an online condolence please visit www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com

Proof of full vaccination, along with government issued ID, are mandatory to attend indoor funeral services for those age 12 and older. Masks are required.