Sylvia Jessie Crawley late of Chilliwack, B.C. and formerly of Agassiz and Sidney, BC died Sunday, Dec. 19, aged 79 years. She was born at home in Hounslow, Middlesex, England, Nov. 30, 1925.
Sylvia was predeceased by her parents, Alfred and Jessie Crawley, sister Margaret Makonnen (brother-in-law Kebede), ex-husband Major Ronald Edward Crawley, as well as numerous aunts and uncles.
Her daughter Elizabeth Anne and son-in-law Ron Gillies, granddaughters Jessica and Sarah, survive her. As well, Sylvia is survived by nieces Susan Makonnen with husband Del (sons Samson and Soloman), Almaz Makonnen, nephew Johannes with wife Janice (sons David and Alex ), all in England
Sylvia served in the British WRNS during WWII as a telegraphist at Chatham, Kent, England as well as underground with the Admiralty in London, England. After marriage to Ronald Edward Crawley in August 1946, they emigrated to Canada in 1947 with two trunks, two suitcases, hopes, dreams and aspirations for a new life. After being advised by a railroad conductor in Montreal to “go west,” they settled in Vancouver, for a short time before moving to River’s Inlet on the West Coast where husband Ron was an accountant for the fish cannery. Here Sylvia lived the adventurous life she had always wanted. After returning to Vancouver, their daughter Elizabeth was born in 1954.
In her 79 years, Sylvia was a Cub master, Brownie leader (Brown Owl), Guide Commissioner in Victoria, member of the W.A. of the Anglican Church, President of the English Cocker Golden Triangle Club (Ottawa), and member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 27 years. Sylvia established her own CKC registered Vindolandas English Cocker line becoming well-known and respected in the dog showing world.
Upon returning to Sidney in 1973, Sylvia purchased Korwin Kennels which she successfully ran for over 20 years. In 1998, she moved to Chilliwack to be close to her daughter Elizabeth and family.
Sylvia was a woman of unwavering religious conviction and incredible courage over the many long years of fighting cancer. She had a fun-loving, inquisitive, mischievous spirit wrapped up within a “bloody minded Brit.” personality and was an incredibly proud Canadian.
If so desired, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (directed to Breast Cancer research and support).
Service of Remembrance to be held at Henderson’s Funeral Home, Chilliwack, Sat. Jan 8, 2005 at 1:00 p.m.