Sylvia Joan Simon (née Burrell)
February 26, 2015
It is with great sadness, after a sudden illness, that we announce the peaceful passing of Sylvia, with her family by her side, at Victoria Hospital, on Thursday, February 26, 2015, on her 56th birthday. Loving wife of Mike. Devoted mother of Eric, Matt and Mark. Cherished sister of Anne Scanlan (Wayne), John Burrell, Elaine Maclagan (John), Ruth Burrell (Mark Cvar), and Andrew Burrell. She will be dearly missed by her loving family and friends. Sylvia was an exceptionally skilled and empathetic nurse who was loved and respected by her many co-workers. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. Prior to interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, on Friday, March 6, 2015, a service will also be conducted at Forest Grove United Church, 43 Forest Grove Drive, North York at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Sylvia are asked to consider the London Health Sciences Foundation or The Lung Association.
Leave a tribute for Sylvia Joan Simon (née Burrell)
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(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to The Lung Association)
(Donated to The Lung Association)
(Donated to The Lung Association)
(Donated to The Lung Association)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to The Lung Association)
(Donated to The Lung Association)
(Donated to The Lung Association)
Mike, Matt, Eric & Mark: We are so so sad to hear about Sylvia's passing. I first met Sylvia and her sister Ruth around 1978. I had just finished high school and took a fabulous & fun summer job at WigAMog Inn in Haliburton. I can still see the first time I met Sylvia with her magnetic smile and her starched waitress uniform. Her positive energy made you want to be with her and all good people she would attract. Back in those days we did not have E mail and so we lost touch until part way through UWO when we bumped into each other. We shared a few laughs and caught up on news about Shay, Ruth, Larry, Cathy and others that had shared the summer of '78. Again, our lives got busy with careers and family and we lost touch. As fate would have it, about 15 years ago we bumped into each other walking around the neighbourhood. We were thrilled to discover that we lived a few streets away from each other. We continued to bump into each other as I walked my dog or was with my family. She loved to walk frequently with Mike. When we saw each other, it was like no time had ever passed. We shared updates on our families and careers. I remember how proud she was of Mike and the 3 boys. Her eyes and smile just radiated profound love and admiration for their accomplishments as well as the silly things that teens (now young man) do. She also loved to give me updates about her extended family too. I remember meeting her dad a few times when he came to London. Wow did she love family! I know that she also loved her nursing career and the various roles she took on. I was not sure how she did it all with grace and such energy. I also always loved to ask her questions as I loved the tone and melody of her voice. Beautiful just like her. She was just easy to be with. I am so sorry that I just discovered this sad news or I would have shared my condolences at the visitation or funeral. I share this story as I did not know Sylvia to the depth that many of you do but I am so touched and honoured that our life paths crossed and crossed again. This shows the positive affect she had on so many people and the loss that so many will feel. May your spirituality give you comfort in this most difficult time. I will end with a quote that I pray gives you some comfort: " Life is an eternal gift that never truly leaves once it touches another life with love" (source unknown). God Bless
(Donated to The Lung Association)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to London Health Sciences Foundation)
(Donated to The Lung Association)
(Donated to The Lung Association)
(Donated to The Lung Association)
To Sylvia's husband and sons, I was away on vacation and returned a few days ago to hear the sad and devastating news of Sylvia's sudden passing. Until my retirement at the end of November I worked with Sylvia in Medicine at Victoria Hospital, as the assistant to the Director of Medicine. Sylvia was always so cheerful and pleasant and certainly demonstrated her passion for nursing and management skills. She always had a smile on her face and took the time to stop and say hello when she would pass my office or in the cafeteria coffe line, and was never too busy to answer any questions I would have. My sincere condolences to you, may you know how much Sylvia was loved and admired by her colleagues and patients alike. Joanne Geddes
Sincere condolances to the family on this sad, sad time. Sylvia was a school friend of my daughter Gaye and I had the pleasure of Sylvia being in our home many times. God Bless you. FLR
Mike, It has been many years since working with you at Hastings & Aziz, but I will always remember Sylvia as a lovely person with a big heart and warm smile. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Maxine
Mike, Eric, Matt and Mark, I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Sylvia and absolutely loved my time with her. Sylvia's dedication, energy and positive attitude were very motivating to all. She will truly be missed. My wish for you is to find comfort in knowing Sylvia was loved and respected by so many of her colleagues.
I had the pleasure of starting my nursing career with Sylvia. She was incredibly understanding and empathetic when I had my own tragedy strike my family; and allowed my training to be postponed, even on short notice. I will be forever grateful to her for that and have not forgotten her kindness. I am so saddened for your loss, but hope you find comfort in knowing like me; she has touched many of her colleagues in the same way. She will be missed.
My heartfelt sympathy is extended to your family at this difficult time. Sylvia and I worked together in coordinator roles and she inspired many of us with her insight, care and compassion. She will be missed by many.
Sylvia and I worked together as coordinator colleagues. She was always a ber supportive, encouraging. She always had a smile on her face and a positive way to look at things. I am truly saddened to hear of her passing and am sending prayers to all her family and friends.
Dear Mike, Eric, Matt and Mark, and Burard family : We had the pleasure of knowing Sylvia , and her extended family in the Forest Grove United Church congregation, and we cherished her as a model daughter ,sister, wife and mother. Her positive energy and pride in her family showed all the time and she epotimized the true christian spirit with her joy and optimism. We are very sadened by the news and want you all to know that you are in our hearts and our prayers. Mag. Nashid, and Liz Conde on behalf of the Forest Grove United Church congregation.
I had the great privelage of working with Sylvia as a coordinator. Sylvia was an amazing leader, wonderful colleague and dedicated health professional. She had a smile that will never be forgotten. My prayers and thoughts to the family at this difficult time
My deepest sympathy to you and your family at this sad time. There are no words to express how hard it must be. Keep strong. If we can do anything please let know.
Hi Mike I am saddened on the news of the loss of your wife. My sincere condolences! Warmest regards to you Mike & your sons. Doug Carlson Building Inspector
Mike, We are very sorry to hear this terrible news, please accept our deepest sympathy. We will be praying for you and your family during this extremely difficult time. Tim & Joyce.
Mike and family, I am deeply saddened to hear of Sylvia’s passing. I had the pleasure of working alongside Sylvia in the coordinator role for almost five years; definitely not the same amount of time as many of her orthopedic colleagues. Nevertheless, I will always remember her for the love she had for her family…you all meant the world to her. She was a great woman. I pray that you will find strength from the memories that you have made together. Cathy Litwin
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Sylvia's husband and sons . I am a nurse at Victoria hospital on Medicine and Sylvia was covering for my coordinator when she was away when I first met her. Sylvia was a dedicated and amazing leader. She was admired by all nurses, physicians and allied health care. The first thing you would notice as she walked on the unit was her smile. She would come around in the morning and ask how everyone was doing and if there was anything she could do to make our day better. Sylvia will be remembered for how much she cared about her staff and the patients under her care. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and know Sylvia will never be forgotten . Sincerely Debbie McGarrell
Mike and Family; I am so sorry to hear of this loss, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you and the boys. Sylvia was such a great person. I worked with Sylvia at UH on the Orthopaedics floor, I was the Administrative Assistant for a couple of years. Sylvia had such a warm and inviting smile, she will be missed but never forgotten. May you and your boys treaure all the heartfelt memories you all had together. Sylvia now has Angel Wings to look over you and the boys. My Thoughts and Prayers to you all. God Bless Julie Deline
I am truly sorry to hear this news. I went to Junior High and High School with Sylvia. She was a bright, cheerful girl who was nice to everyone. She will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences to Sylvia's family. My thought will be with you, from Edmonton.
I have known Sylvia for over 3o years. We worked together at UH and we roomed together for a time before she and Mike married She had a sweet goodness about her that is so rare to find. A truy loving person. The world will miss her very much. Sincere condolences to her family, Mike and the boys--she was very proud of you all.
Dear Mike and Family, It was with great sadness to hear about Sylvia's passing. I had the privilege of working with Sylvia on the Orthopaedic Floor at University Hospital, where I started my nursing career in 2009. Sylvia was an amazing nurse and an inspiration to us all. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I hope that the love of your family and friends will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead. Sylvia will be missed greatly. May God's peace be with you. Sincerely, Lindsay Nadeau
Dear Mike and family: My family Hobbs. and now staikos family have known Sylvia and family as they were my parents next door neighbours in Kilworth. Sylvia was a mentor to me and at that time, she was a young mother with Eric and pregnant with the twins. I was in nursing school in Windsor and Sylvia would always find the time to chat with my about school and encourage me to apply at LHSC. Ironically I did work with Sylvia both as a staff nurse and as a coordinator. She was always willing to help and was driven to ensure exceptional patient care was delivered. She and I would catch up on the children and of course would also be so proud of her husband sons. accomplishments. My heartfelt condolences go out to both you and your family. She will always be remembered and never forgotten for her caring and kind nature. Sincerely, Kim Staikos , Ian Hobbs and families
Wendy and I where very saddened to hear about Sylvia's passing. Our condolences to you, your boys and Sylvia's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike, Matt, Eric & Mark - There are never enough words of sadness, sympathy or condolences to say when a dedicated Wife, loving Mother & exceptionally talented health care leader passes from us. You are in my thoughts. May God hold all of you in the palm of His hand. Sincerely Marilyn Horvat
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this sad time. There are no words to express how hard it must be. Keep strong our thoughts and prays will be with you and family from the staff of Cityclean from John Burrell co-workers...
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(Donated to The Lung Association)
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