Obituaries

MCTAVISH, Sylvia

Sylvia Louise McTavish (nee Brown)

April 25, 1927 – March 15, 2023

Sylvia Louise McTavish (nee Brown) was born in Saskatchewan on 25 April 1927. She was

raised in a blended family in Nova Scotia, married in Toronto in 1950, moved to the Kelowna

area in 1958. stayed there until she moved to Osoyoos in 2017, and to Oliver in 2022.

She died on 15 March 2023 following the complications of a broken hip.

Predeceased by her parents; husband, Ray, and her six siblings; survived by daughter, Jan (Ian Smith), and various nieces and nephews.

In robust health until her late 80s, Sylvia enjoyed world travel – especially cruising; books about history; and winning trivia games. She was a self-taught pianist, good cook, talented artist, and fine gardener.

She was involved in various community activities, including as a civilian volunteer for the RCMP in Kelowna, and keeping the spare keys for St. David’s Presbyterian Church. She gave generously to various charities, and was especially involved in Plan International, sponsoring 25 children over 40 years.

As per Sylvia’s final wishes, there will be no service.

Friends and acquaintances are asked to honour her memory by donating to an animal charity or to Plan International.

Many thanks to the staffs of Sunshine Ridge, South Okanagan General Hospital, and McKinney Place Extended Care for the care and attention they gave her in rather difficult circumstances.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting nunes-pottinger.com.

Condolence Messages

Mar 23, 2023
Dear Jan;

I send my condolences to you and your family on the death of Sylvia.

She was the book keeper for many years at St. Paul's United Church and very involved. She was a very talented lady and with that twinkle in her eye and the smile on her lips, she enjoyed life. We enjoyed tales of her many travels.

I send my love and prayers to you.

Beryl - Beryl Baldeo
Mar 22, 2023
Sylvia was part of the Museum Writers' Group for several years and wrote some wonderful stories, often in verse, about her pets or childhood memories and usually with an unexpectedly funny closing line. She was a woman of many talents and a much valued member of the writers' group. Condolences to her family. Sharron Simpson - Sharron Simpson
Mar 20, 2023
Sylvia will always be considered a dear friend. We met many years ago at St. Paul's United Church, she was a neighbor for a few years and we spent lots of time together doing volunteer work and just enjoying each other's company over a cup of coffee or lunch. Yes, she certainly was a good cook! We never did meet you, Jan, but my heart goes out to you at the loss of your mother. She was an exceptional lady! I'm sure my husband will have been in the group to meet her at the gates to heaven. - Linda Yablonski
Mar 19, 2023
Sylvia was missed when she moved to Osoyoos. She was part of our Kelowna Writers’ Group. We enjoyed her stories, and poems. She truly had a gift for putting words together. Sylvia gave me little teapots for my Tea House. My condolences go out to Sylvia’s family. Sincerely, Donna Nicholas