It is with great sadness that the family of Sylvia Kane announces her passing on August 24, 2017, surrounded by family. Sylvia was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan on November 9, 1927, to Archibald and Hazel Abbott. She was predeceased by her parents; her sister Donna Joiner; her brother William Abbott and her husband Jim Kane in 2013. She is survived by her daughter, Virginia MacCarthy (Parker); her son Paul Castner (Leslie); her four grandchildren of whom she was so proud, Cameron MacCarthy, Alexandra MacCarthy (Scott), Jennifer Castner and Kathleen Castner; her brother Dennis Abbott (Shiela); her brother-in-law Robert Joiner as well as many nieces and nephews and their families.
Sylvia’s childhood was spent in Saskatchewan, Ontario and finally Victoria, B.C. where the family settled in 1939. She attended Victoria High School, graduating in 1945. Following high school, Sylvia attended Victoria College and Victoria Normal School, graduating with a teaching certificate in 1947. She taught in the Sooke School District at Happy Valley Elementary School and at Vic West Elementary School.
She married Ronald Castner in 1949 with whom she raised their children, Virginia and Paul. Sylvia and family moved to Ottawa, Ontario in 1959 and Toronto, Ontario in 1964. During that time, she taught in Toronto at North Agincourt Elementary School. The family then moved to Vancouver in 1967. Sylvia continued her teaching career in the Richmond School District. She also obtained her Master of Education Degree from UBC in 1978.
She was seconded to UBC for a year and taught as a Sessional Instructor at both Simon Fraser University and the University of Victoria. After being divorced from Ron Castner, Sylvia married the love of her life, Jim Kane, in 1980. Sylvia and Jim lived in Edmonton, Alberta, and Iqaliuit, North West Territories, and Nanaimo, BC., before settling in Victoria in 1989. Her final teaching and Coordinator’s position was at Sidney Elementary School, from which she retired in 1992. Sylvia and Jim travelled extensively during their 33 years of marriage and particularly loved Spain and England where they had many friends and wonderful experiences. Family was first and foremost to Sylvia. She was the center of her family and known as “Dabby” to her grandchildren. All special occasions required a grand celebration and a gathering of family and friends. She will be forever missed by all and always in the hearts of those who loved her.
Vigil Prayers will be held at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, at 5 pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, 740 View Street, Victoria, BC, on August 31, 2017 at 2 pm, followed by a reception at the Union Club, 805 Gordon Street.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Elmer Janzen
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Richard C Creech Richard (Dick) Creech
I am sorry to see that Sylvia has died, and know that she will be sorely missed by her family to whom she will have left many happy memories. Mine start with a group of smiling and talented girls of Victoria High School, Class of 1945. Later many happy outings, especially to the beaches with her dear friends Elsie and Ron Coles, and many others.
“The smiles that win, the tints that glow, but tell of days in goodness spent, A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent.” (Lord Byron)
A wonderful era to live and raise families in, and leave permanent memories of a life well spent.
With love from Richard
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Megan Kirk Chang - Barrie, Ontario I am deeply saddened to hear of Sylvia’s passing. She welcomed me with open arms to many family occasions with the MacCarthy’s during my time abroad in Victoria. I will fondly remember singing Johnny Appleseed and seeing Sylvia’s face light up at the sight of her grandchildren. Her beautiful soul and spirit will always be remembered. I am so blessed to have known such a special lady and family. My thoughts are with you all during this time.
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Kate and John Roberts Dear Virginia and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of your dear mother and offer our sincere condolences. I have fond memories of your mother when whe taught me university classes in the nineties.
With sincere sympathy,
Kate and John Roberts
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Dhaene Dear Virginia and family, our deepest sympathy in the passing your beloved mother. In our prayers and thoughts.
Peter and Brenda (Dhaene) Brenda’s Favorites
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Jean Haran Special friend of Edna and Ken Haran and family .So many lovely times spent with you and Dear Jim ,will always think of you .Goodnight God Bless xx
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Jean Haran Special dear friend of Edna and Ken Haran and there family , So many happy times were spent together with Dear Jim , We will always think of you Goodnight God Bless Sylvia . Love from us all in England xxx
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Kerry Brown Richard, Spencer and I were so saddened to hear of Sylvia’s passing and we wish you all sincere condolences. She was such a good friend to Richard’s mother Marj and they had many adventures together after they both lost their husbands one day apart. We will fondly remember the dinners at Marj’s and the times when Sylvia joined Marj for our Sunday dinner and were regaled with wonderful stories. She had such a zest for life, a great sense of humour, always curious and a great conversationalist, she will be missed by our family.
Dear Virginia , Paul and Family
My deepest condolences to you on the passing of your Mother . My thoughts go back to 1961 when Isabel and I came to Ottawa . Sylvia was a big help to Isabel , helping her settle in our new home . Sylvia had a good relationship with Gracie .Their time together was always special , much laughter
so sorry for your loss
Most sincerely Elmer , Owen and Charles