April 3, 1936 - May 6, 2024
In loving memory ~
Sylvia Spivak (nee Freckleton) was born April 03, 1936, in Liverpool, England and died May 06, 2024, in Parksville, BC.
Mum lived in her home until the end except for a few hours in hospital. She was still walking to the post box chatting to neighbours in the week of her death.
Sylvia was an extraordinary woman. She started her life in Liverpool, England, where she was one of 7 children. She married young and went on to have four children: Jan, Lee, Michelle and Richard.
Her many travels and living abroad took her to Algeria, then Texas, and eventually she settled in Canada where her sister Lillian and brother Ron were. That's where she met and married Bill Spivak and she embraced his family of Sharon, Wayne, Bruce and Gael.
Sylvia worked for Calgary Co-op and went to school to become a florist, the highlight of which was doing the floral arrangements for the Winter Olympics in Calgary in 1988. She was an amazing baker, spoiling everyone with treats and we all remember her flugee.
Sylvia and Bill moved to Parksville, BC 35 years ago. They loved to play crib at the Legion, even winning the regional and provincial tournaments. They were both avid gardeners. Sylvia's beloved rose garden and other gardens always provided for spectacular arrangements in her house.
Sylvia volunteered many hours at the SOS in Parksville, achieving a lifetime recognition award for her work. She also spent many hours at the pool with her friends doing aquacise.
Sylvia and Bill spent some time RV'ing to the US and around Vancouver Island. Summers were filled with family, grandchildren and great grandchildren visiting Nanny's and Grandad's house. All of us will treasure so many great memories of her beautiful garden and home.
Sylvia was predeceased by her parents Francis and Elizabeth (nee Harrison) Freckleton, her brothers Francis, Thomas, John, her sisters Elsie Thomas and Lillian Torley, and her son Lee Margarson and stepson Bruce Spivak.
She is survived by her brother Ronald; her daughter Jan Wilkinson (Terry) and their children Samantha, Ashley and Christopher; her daughter Michelle Spivak and her children Amy and Christian; her son Richard Spivak; and Lee's son Aidan Margarson. She is also survived by her stepchildren; Sharon Denison and her daughters Caroline, Brenda, Linette; Wayne Spivak (Mary Jane) and his daughter Emily; Bruce's widow Bernie and their children; Shane, Christa, Kim and Amy; and Gael Spivak (Stewart).
A special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Nanaimo Hospital. Sylvia died peacefully with her granddaughter Sam by her side.
At Sylvia's request there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers contributions to S.O.S. Society of Organized Services in Parksville would be appreciated.