Sylvia MANION

Sylvia Louise Marie Manion, the matriarch of the Manion family, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2023, after bravely battling various health concerns, including Multiple Sclerosis. She was born on November 27, 1933, in Ottawa, Ontario, to Alderic (Alec) Beaudry and Ritha Bourbeau. Sylvia is survived by her daughter Laurie (Gary Moreau) and her sons Ian, Bruce (Kathryn Burlton), and Douglas. She was a beloved wife to her high school sweetheart, Jack, and a loving grandmother to her grandchildren Melanie, John (Fred Sasseville), Anne-Marie (Pat Rondeau), Matthew (Jenny Dawe), Rachael, Katelin (Andrew Propper), Emily, Connor, Colby (Tyler Kelly), and Chloe, as well as her great-grandchildren Rowan, Liam, Piper, Kamron, and Hudson. She is also survived by her cousin Bruce Bourbeau, her many nephews and nieces, and her 21 godchildren.

Sylvia was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who had a fulfilling career at Bell Canada before dedicating her life to her family and community. She was an active community organizer, volunteer clown for sick children in hospitals, and a recipient of the Ottawa-Carleton United Way Community Builder Award in 2008. Sylvia had a wide circle of friends, neighbors, and admirers, and she received tremendous support from her friends in Canada and the U.S. during her illnesses, especially in her final months. She was also grateful for the continuous support and lifelong friendship of her cousin Bruce Bourbeau and his wife Louise. In addition, Sylvia’s family extends their sincere thanks to Dr. Benoit Robert, Dr. Carolyn Clarke, the staff and medical team at the Ravines, and the Regional Palliative Consultation Team and Dr. Chris Harty for their end-of-life care.

Friends and loved ones are invited to pay their respects at the Kelly Funeral Home, 1255 Walkley Rd, on Sunday, December 3, 2023, after 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held in the Chapel at 2:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the Arbor Lounge until 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the National Capital Down Syndrome Association and/or the John Howard Society of Ottawa in Sylvia’s memory. Sylvia will be deeply missed, and her legacy of love and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.