
Maman was the toughest and sweetest woman I have ever known.  Despite her small frame, she was a courageous fighter who never gave up to give her children a better life. I will never forget the sacrifices she made. From sleeping on a couch for a year so we could have our own bed to moving 8 times. 

Du Courage

When the Dr. asked her if he should stop putting her knee cap in place, she pushed through the pain.  My God what a fighter!

Vive la revolution

Mom argued with my dad  so I could buy a Nintendo Classic with my Christmas money instead of an oversized baseball glove.  She always stood her ground and fought for what she believed in to protect her trois etoiles.

Bon appétit

For her birthday one year, I bought her a petit brie. I walked 2 kms in the rain to Lynn Valley mall and it melted on the way back. She smiled and ate it in one sitting licking the silver wrapper.  My heart melted. I ​was also so jealous of her super power to eat a whole jar of Nutella in one sitting without mouth burn or weight gain.

Joi de vivre

Mom's booming laugh was contagious. It started with her.   Then it kept going gaining momentum from person to person. Then it went  back to her where it almost got too dangerous.  I  chuckled  when she asked me with her cute French accent what a hummmmer  was? 

L`amour c`est famille

Family was everything to Sylvie. She loved and felt loved by Bryan. She loved her entire extended family from close and far.

Creme de la creme

Maman was the best mom we could have asked for. She showed us what really matters. She made the ultimate sacrifice. She gave life to 3 great kids whom she showered  with wet smokey kisses. I am so grateful to have had an amazing mom.

Mom taught us to give love and feel loved. I carry my mom's courage, generosity, authenticity, humor, love in my heart,  thoughts and actions. 

I miss maman. She was worried about me but I know she is smiling down on me  and will look out for me to the very end.
Gros bisous, tendresse

Julian


 

Sylvie was our beloved Aunt from outer seas,
Once too far and since the internet way more close.
I miss our endless conversations on the phone, our chats, the pictures and movies of the Canadian family she never missed to send us.
But more of all her laugh, sincere, loud, unique, unstoppable... will never be heard again.
She was caring for her family, loving, generous.
When she came in France visiting us it was always joyous, fun, sincere. 
I loved her deeply.
See the picture ? We are pretty sure it's the situation right now, Sylvie lovingly looking her children, grandchildren and Bryan from the sky.
Good bye Tata.
Jerome and Patricia, Alexandre and Charlotte

Sylvie and I worked together at Ridgeview and continued to share a wonderful friendship long after retirement. I enjoyed our walks and coffee talks and our special Christmas teas. Sylvie always spoke so proudly of her family, children and grandchildren and loved them dearly. 

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Bryan and for the family at this unbearable time.  The loving memories that Sylvie has left can never be taken away. May they comfort you in your sorrow.

I always looked forward to seeing Sylvie because I considered her part of my family too. I mean we shared our children and granddaughters. 
I loved her beautiful accent and wanted to talk to her just to hear it. 
She was like the energizer bunny and I felt slow next to her.  
Most of all I loved eating anything she made because I knew it would be delicious. 
She will remain in our hearts where she has always been. 
Memories can’t be taken away. 
Xo
Patricia 

For me it’s her voice. The quintessential French woman.  I can hear her clearly now... “Vaneeeesa” .   And our mother daughter brunches.  And her amazing pear tarts/flan that I couldn’t reproduce if I tried. And how beautiful and beaming she was the day she saw her daughter married.   I’ll cherish these memories and more forever.  Je t’aime Sylvie ❤️

Your mom and I had quite the time during our work at Ridgeview. We were partners in crime for so many years, and planned so many awesome events, all with your mom's fantastic flare for fashion ,from Sports Days to Graduations ,to Staff parties . We had so much fun ! She was so proud of you and your brothers and spoke of you all the time ,she adored her grandchildren (two legged and four ). It is with a heavy heart as I write this ,as we did spend so much time together ,but I have so many memories of her and I know that is what will get you through too . You spent a lot of time with her and she loved every second of it ,I am so glad you lived so close and were able to see her as much as you did .I will toast her on her birthday ,as we always called each other on our birthdays ! My heart goes out to you and your family . Thinking of you !❤️
Take Good Care 
Debbie 🐾

I always loved seeing Sylvie. Anytime we came over to Vanessa’s for a gathering or kids party, she was full of energy and full of love. She treated my kids like her own grandchildren even though she didn’t know them that well. I felt like she was so happy to see everyone and that she genuinely cared about each and every person in the room.  I’m grateful I got to meet her and  thankful for the laughs and smiles she gave out so freely. My heart is with all of her family.  ❤️

Sylvie was a wonderful friend to my mom and I. Elle va nous manquer beaucoup. We will miss her bright smile and personality. She was a joy to be around, so upbeat and genuinely interested in how you were doing. We will greatly miss having  our coffee and treats and fun conversation. 
RIP ❤️❤️

Sylvie ~ always cheerful, always loving, always interested in others rather than herself and always giving “le don du sourire”, that gift of a smile so treasured by those around her!  We will always keep you and your beautiful smile in our hearts, Sylvie!  

In the 13 years I’ve know Sylvie, if she had a bad day, I never saw it. She was always positive, happy and full of love! Excited for every new adventure Laurent and I embarked on whether it was moving into a new home or simply hosting a Christmas dinner, she was always by our side with so much enthusiasm. She was incredibly proud of her family, both in Vancouver, Toronto, and Paris, always updating us with their stories and achievements. I loved that Paris never really left her, evident in her daily style, the fabulous snacks and pastries she would make, and the slew of stunning photos in her West Van Parisian apartment. 

I was beyond lucky to have Sylvie in my life, she was the biggest cheerleader and I’ll sincerely miss having her in our corner. 

Sylvie was an incredible lady. I will always remember how classy and beautiful she was. She wore pink lipstick and off-the-shoulder tops like no one else and I adored her for it. She could light up the room with her charm and her sense of humour. The way Sylvie spoke commanded attention. Not because she was vocal or loud but because her voice was smooth and her accent was beautiful and because she spoke with such sincerity. I will miss hearing her voice so much. I loved speaking French with her at work or when we saw each other. I always felt like she cared about me when we spoke...like she was truly interested. 
Sylvie was a vibrant woman. She walked everywhere. You couldn't stop her from moving and being busy. Sylvie was creative and funny and resilient. She was generous and strong and kind. But what I will remember most about Sylvie was how incredibly proud she was of her children and grandchildren. I can still hear her voice when she spoke of them and feel the love she emanated. She positively radiated love.  
Sylvie, tu vas beaucoup nous manquer. xoxoxo

We are very sorry for your loss. 

“Grief never ends but it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It’s the price of love”. 

Mario and Snezana

Ma Cher Maman, 

Of course I knew this day would come, but I always thought we had more time. More time for hugs and kisses on each cheek. More time to have our daily morning phone chats. More time to meet at Ambleside dog park. More time to make your French tarts. More time to watch you do art with the girls. More time to hear you laugh. More time to tell you I love you more. 
You were a fighter when it mattered and a lover always. 
Thank you for your support and friendship and for teaching me what truly matters  in life. 
We will be ok. You don’t need to worry about us. Just eat all the cheese and baguette and Nutella and tarts!! 
Tendresse, Vanessa 



It was only a few years ago when I met Sylvie. I learned right away that she was a kind, warm, loving, and generous soul. Sylvie and I had a special bond (her son Julian). We shared many chats in the years that followed. She was always a great listener. Always cared and asked about what was going on in my world. She always made me feel comforted, supported, and loved. Sylvie was always positive, looked on the brighter side of things, and loved to laugh. I feel truly blessed that I had the opportunity of getting to know such a wonderful, caring, and thoughtful woman. I will always cherish the conversations we had -especially the quick, "Love you's!" at the end of our calls. She will forever be missed. 
All my love,
Tessie

From the very first moment we were introduced to Sylvie long before Kristin & Laurent married, she always made us feel like family.  Her beautiful smile lit up any room, her heart is so open & warm....although sometimes I couldn’t understand her accent, her patience to repeat never tired her.  Thank you for always being so wonderful with my boys and I.  You are one amazing lady!

Julian 

My heart goes out to you over this difficult time. Tess has been keeping me informed of the struggles and challenges your mother had. She was strong right to the end and now is at peace. 
It was beautiful that you had this time with her and she will forever in her heart and soul have the memory of a caring and loving son who was there right to the end. 

You as well have peace knowing there is no more pain and suffering for her. You can move forward with your life as you know your mom wanted. 

Thinking of you 
Cindy  

Madame May was a wonderful colleague at Ridgeview Elementary School.  Sylvie loved to chat and always asked after my daughters and was genuinely interested.  I remember her eyes lighting up when she spoke of her own family and shared photos of her granddaughter.  My thoughts are with her family. 

My heart aches that I will not see my friend Sylvie again. Sylvie was a special friend who took the time to check in with her friends and catch up. One of my fondest memories is when she would offer me pate and treats during our workdays together.  She was always so generous. She taught me a little about French cooking. I may still have a recipe or two of Sylvie's. I will miss Sylvie, she had a way of making me smile.  My thoughts and prayers go out to Sylvie's family. 

OBITUARY

Sylvie Roseline May

September 28, 1950 – May 20, 2021

Hollyburn Funeral Home

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