Obituary of Sylvia Joan Eloise Blake

BLAKE (O’Donnell), Sylvia Joan Eloise – Sylvia passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospice on Friday, October 20, 2023 at the age of 90. Beloved wife of the late William “Bill” Blake (2008).  Dear mother of the late Ron, Shelley Pullman (Doug), Dan, Kevin (Carolyn) and Tim (Maniya). Loving grandmother of Sarah. Step-grandma of Amanda, Kayli, Tyler and Farzam. Great-grandma “Syli” of Shey-Lynn and Ethan. Step great-grandma of Emma, Lexi, Olivia and Doug. Sister of Ruth Houlahan (late Jack) and Jim O'Donnell (Bonnie). Sister-in-law of Betty O’Donnell. Also surviving are the extended families of Sylvia and her husband William. Predeceased by parents Murray & Harriett O’Donnell, brothers Norval and John O’Donnell and sister Dorothy Sorenson (Ingeman). Mom was born in New Brunswick and was a country girl.  She moved with family to Sarnia and found work as a Bell Operator.  She met the love of her life in Bill (Moose) Blake and became a loving full time Mom.  Mom was active in CWL at St. Benedict Church for 63 years.  Also, assisted with the Breakfast Club there.  She was a social person and enjoyed family and friends; like her “neighbourhood street ladies” get-togethers.  She didn’t shy away from duty and canvassed for charitable agencies around our neighbourhood. In her “twilight years” she enjoyed the many social activities of ESSO Annuitant (Retirees) Club.  Mom will be missed for she was a beautiful person inside and out. The family would like to send a special thank you to the staff of Palliative Care; especially Dr. Crombeen and Mom’s nurse Mandy.  We would like to express our gratitude for their incredible care and support during her struggle with cancer.  Would also like to thank St. Joseph’s Hospice for their excellent care of our mother during her stay there. 

Visitation will be held at the McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 431 Christina St. N. on Friday from 6-8 p.m. A public funeral service will be held in the McKenzie & Blundy Chapel on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 11 a.m. Private family interment at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery.  As an expression of sympathy friends who wish may send memorial donations to Canadian Mental Health Association, 210 Lochiel St., Sarnia, N7T 4C7 or https://lambtonkent.cmha.ca/get-involved/donate/. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com