Obituary of Sylvia Joyce Craig

January 21, 1934 - Henribourg, Saskatchewan

April 12, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Sylvia Craig, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024, at the age of 90 years.

Sylvia was born in Henribourg, SK, on January 21, 1934. She grew up in Creston, BC, where she helped run her family’s grocery store.

Sylvia received a diploma from the Cranbrook College of Commerce. She joined the Air Force as a clerk and typist stationed in Senneterre, QC, in 1953. After her discharge in 1955, she spent her days raising her seven children.

Turning 50, started a new chapter in Sylvia’s life as she went back to school at the BC Institute of Technology where she studied Institutional Cooking. She worked in that capacity at the University Hospital Shaughnessy site and the BC Children’s Hospital for fifteen years. There, she was also deeply involved in the Hospital Employees Union then moved to Calgary, AB in 1999 after retiring.

She was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for over 40 years and was actively involved in various community associations where she lived. Sylvia will be most remembered for her big heart, her tenacity, and her advocacy for others.

Sylvia was an avid crib player, and always had time for a game right to the end. She enjoyed bowling, gardening, baking and a good jigsaw puzzle. She always loved animals and has many beloved pets waiting for her. She also travelled to countries such as Chile, Grand Cayman, Belize, and the USA. Among her favourite memories is her trip to the United Kingdom where she visited the birthplace of her mother in Harrow, Middlesex, England.

Sylvia is survived by three daughters, Sherry Johnson (David), Rebecca McElheran (Kevin), and Erika Zazzi (Peter); three sons, Lynol Keith Clark (Deborah), Jim Clark (Sonja), and Christopher Collin Clark (Darlene); daughter-in-law Sally Radcliffe; thirteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Sylvia was predeceased by her son Rick Clark, parents, Frank and Rebecca (nee Solomans); twin brother Keith, and older brothers, Lyle and Norman.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Meow Foundation, 35 Skyline Crescent NE, Calgary, AB T2K 5X2, Telephone: (403) 230-6033, www.meowfoundation.com.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Sylvia’s family here.

In living memory of Sylvia Craig, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.