Sylvia Mary Noble (nee Grahame)

On December 12th, 1925 Sylvia was born, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Her father served in the British Army, and when she was 6 months old the family was transferred to a barracks outside of London, England. They remained there, even after her father was discharged from the force.

Sylvia became an Air Raid Warden during WW11, at the age of 13. At 17, she joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service working as a switchboard operator, at HMS Pembrooke, Marble Hill. She was then selected to transfer to Leyden Mansion to serve in the SBU (Special Boat Unit) effort for the pending secret invasion of Normandy, on D-Day.

At age 21, Sylvia boarded the Aquitania, and headed for a new life in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It was there that she met her future husband Edward Raymond Noble. They were living at the same boarding house, and he finally mustered the courage to ask her to a movie.

Sylvia worked in Vancouver as a steno for a plumbing supply company, until she moved to Mission, BC, with her husband Ed. There, she took on the role of secretary to the School Board Administrator and subsequently as the secretary to the Mission Central School Principal, where she could keep an eagle eye on her three children. She volunteered with the Rotary Ann’s, and served a term as president of the Local Chapter of CUPE.

She had many hobbies which included ballroom dancing, gardening, knitting, crocheting, baking, reading, crossword puzzles, travelling to many countries, and watching crime mysteries on the tele. She received her Gold Medal in ballroom dance, at the age of 75.

Sylvia is survived by her children: Lorraine, Earl (Irene), and Maureen. Grandchildren: Chelsea, Isabelle, and Sophia.

A private family service will be held in Qualicum. In lieu of flowers, donations are more than welcome for the Oceanside Hospice Society, 210 Crescent Rd W, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1J9

A warm thanks to neighbours Louise, Ruth, Peter & Denise, and Carole, as well as other neighbours & friends who have been a part of Mum’s life.

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Biglow & staff for your gentle and kind care. We acknowledge the staff at Sue’s Seniors Care Inc. and Nanaimo General Hospital’s general ward and Palliative Care Unit.

We are sure you and Dad are happily dancing, on the other side of life.