Sylvia Richter died peacefully surrounded by her family in Naples, Florida on June 10, 2016 during her 100th year of life.
Her long and fulfilling life began in Miniota, Manitoba, the third daughter of Frances and Basil Reveley. Farming was tough on the prairies in those days so the family moved 8 years later to the small city of Melville, Saskatchewan.
Sylvia was an excellent student, graduating first in her high school class at age 16 years. She went on to the University of Saskatchewan where she continued to excel academically as well as learning about boys, dancing and parties.
She moved to Regina, Saskatchewan in 1937 where she graduated from the Reliance School of Commerce. Two years later, she met and married George Little. Sylvia was a loving mother to her two children, Sandra Ainslee and John Reveley Little.
She went on to receive a teaching certificate from Central Collegiate College. She held leadership roles in the Eastern Star and the Mothers Union of her church. With her children growing older, she joined a cherished group of colleagues at the radio station CKCK as Traffic Manager.
Her marriage to George Little ended a few years after moving to Victoria, BC in 1965. While working for the BC Department of Mines, she met and married the “love of her life”, Frank Richter, a longstanding MLA and cabinet minister. Sadly, Frank died suddenly 7 years later.
The next phase of her life was enriched by her grandchildren including: Susan, Gary and Karen (Pye) Malcolm; Jennifer, Collin, Amanda (Lee) and Katherine Little; and, John Butler and Sara Johnson. She became an avid world traveler, usually on cruise ships. Much of her life in Brentwood Bay and Sidney revolved around her friends and activities at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, the Auxiliary at Saanich Peninsula Hospital and later, at the Central Saanich Lawn Bowling Club.
With advancing age, she found that she was unable to continue living independently so a decision was made three years ago to move to Naples, Florida to be with her son and his wife, Veora. During her last years, she was surrounded by a loving family, including sixteen great grandchildren.
Sylvia remained a vital, engaged person until the end of her life. Her family and friends greatly benefited from her sense of humor and wisdom. She will be greatly missed!
Her funeral is scheduled for 1:00 PM on Friday, June 17 at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in West Saanichton.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a commemorative donation to the church.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Bill & Myrna Francis
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Phil and Martina Blanchard Sandra, John and family
We were sad to read of Sylvia’s death, but very happy to have met her as a good friend to our aunt, Shirley McCorquodale. Since Shirley’s passing we lost contact with Sylvia but often thought of her when thinking about Shirley and still cherished her wonderful sense of humour and joyful smile. Enjoy your memories too!
Phil and Martina Blanchard
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Shelagh Bell Sylvia was an active and valued member of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Auxiliary. We all knew her and loved her as did the ladies in the Foundation Office. Just last week a few of us were wondering out loud how she was doing and whether she was still with us. I always referred to her as a tough old broad and she was. Thank you for being such a caring family.
Shelagh
Among the many, many happy memories we treasure, our favorite will forever be Sylvia’s way of always squeezing absolutely the most joy and laughter out of anything in which she was involved, be it one-on-one with anyone of any age, a few friends(or new acquaintances)over coffee, or a large gathering. She was a most incredible example of living life fully.
It was always an uplifting privilege to spend time with her. We were all drawn to her down-to-earth, no-nonsense, faith-based approach to life’s journey – seasoned with a killer sense of humor and a joyful love for all of those fortunate people who crossed her path.
Looking forward to seeing you again, Sylvia, although a lot of you is still here! Love always,