Obituary of Sylvia Louise Kennedy

Sylvia passed away peacefully, in Sarnia on July 27, 2023, in her 100th year.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald (2002); and by her beloved

son, John (2021). She is survived by her two sons, Robert (Judi), Paul; and by

her daughter, Patricia Wattie (Phillip). She was the cherished Uma to seven

grandchildren, Christopher (Brooke), Peter (Lauren), Michael (Sandy), Lauren

(Dustin), Graeme (Katie) Aaron (Callandre) and Robyn. She was the adoring

great-grandmother to eight (soon to be nine) children, Stella, Ally, Jillian,

Emily, Sylvia, Mackenzie, Adeline, Tatum and baby Jack.

Sylvia was born on a farm near Elfros, Saskatchewan, to Sigurdur Sigurdson

and Kristin Jonsdottir, both of Icelandic heritage. She was the fifth of nine

children and was the last surviving sibling. She attended the one room

Prairie Grove School No. 187 from Grade 1 to 12, and later went on to teach

school in Saskatchewan upon graduation. Sylvia often spoke with great

fondness of her time spent with her family on the farm at Elfros.

Sylvia met her husband, Donald, in Gimli, Manitoba, and they were married

in Winnipeg in 1946. Donald’s career in the Navy took them to postings

in Eastern Canada, and his business career took them to various cities

throughout Canada and the United States. They finally settled in Brantford,

Ontario, where they lived for many years. Sylvia’s happiest memories were

of her gracious home in Brantford overlooking the Grand River and spending

time at their beautiful cottage on Lake Joseph in Muskoka, surrounded by

her family.

Sylvia was known by both her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as

the Viking Uma, in recognition of her blonde hair, blue eyes, strength of

character and Icelandic heritage. Through her grace, elegance, charm and

kindness, Sylvia has had a profound impact on the lives of her family and

friends and will remain a steadfast inspiration to all for many years to come.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and thanks to the

staff at Fairwinds Lodge and more recently, Vision Nursing Home in Sarnia

for the care, attention and compassion shown to Sylvia in her later years.

For those that wish, messages of condolence may be provided to the family

through: sylvia.family@kennedy.mobi