Obituary of Sylvia Louise Gillard

Sylvia Louise Gillard, 56 Halifax It is with great sorrow that we the family announce the passing of Sylvia Louise Gillard at the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax on March 4, 2020, with her family at her side, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Born in Glace Bay, Sylvia is the daughter of Mary and Sylvester Gillard. Sylvia was accomplished in her short life and not afraid of a challenge. She graduated from Donkin Morien High and went on to get a Public Relations degree at MSVU, after which she gained employment at Met Ocean Telematics; later Sylvia returned to university and studied Bachelor of Nursing from the CBU/St. FX. Program and obtained work at the Halifax Infirmary and Northwood Nursing Home. Her most recent accomplishment was receiving her Master of Nursing from Dalhousie University while working for VON of Halifax. Sylvia was a loving daughter, mother, sister, colleague, and friend, and she is deeply missed. Sylvia loved singing, playing guitar and keyboard, and enjoyed taking lessons to help her master this passion. She wanted to make a difference in the Health Care field and ran as a PC Candidate in the Halifax Armdale riding in 2017. Sylvia loved to follow the Royal family and was a member of The Royal Stewart Clan Society, where she helped to design their webpage and made many new friends. Although she was busy most times working and studying, she always made time to stay in touch with her family every day. Sylvia was a religious and faithful person and member of The United Church of Canada. Sylvia is survived by her son, Graham Hugh O’Brien; mother, Mary; four sisters, Susan (Bill Donnelle) Gillard, Cindy Gillard, Kendra Gillard, and Beth Gillard; Justin Skalaa, Brent Donnelle and several nephews, nieces and extended family. Besides her dad, Sylvia was predeceased by her aunt, Shirley Boutilier, uncles, Tom Gillard, Wayne Gillard, William Gillard, Jess MacDonald, aunt Eva Stewart, and Cousin Wendy MacIntosh,. Thank you to Sylvia’s physicians and healthcare providers and the palliative staff at the Victoria General Hospital. Special thanks to friends, Tanya Edens, Gerard Wadden, Wendy Thomas, and Stephanie Brufatto who remained a constant support to her throughout her life. Thank you to Janet Marusiak and Lucille Marcoux, who were always there to offer their friendship and support as well. A Celebration of Life for the late Sylvia Gillard will be held on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021, at 1 p.m. with Rev. Bonnie Wynn officiating at T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. 902-849-4199. Interment to take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Following COVID Regulations, it is requested that anyone attending the Celebration of Life for the late Sylvia Gillard, show proof of double vaccines upon arrival. Thank you.