Sylvie passed suddenly on August 2, 2025, at the Victoria General Hospital ICU. Née July 18, 1957, in la Ville de Brest, Finistere, Bretagne, France.
Predeceased by Jeanette Pelletier (mother), Jean Argouarch (father), Martin (sister). Sylvie is survived by Chloe Lizu Aitken (cherished daughter), Hugh Philip Aitken (partner of 28 years), and siblings Chantal, Francis (Mireille), Denis, Cathy (sister-in-law), nieces and nephews (Cecile, Remy, Shivli, Madhuri, Sherin, Lou) and beloved family K9, Chanel.
As a girl, when not working hard at school, she developed passions for dancing, playing cards and gymnastics. Her childhood summers tenting on the sandy seashore of Bretagne led to a lifelong passion for the ocean, scuba diving, snorkelling and all things aquatic. A ceaseless traveller from her earliest years, she hitchhiked through France, Italy, and Wales, camping and sleeping in fields and barns. It remained an immense joy for her to sleep in a tent in nature, appreciating the simple life.
Her 50-year career in medicine and caring for others began in 1975 and continued till her passing. MDing in France, she repeated her medical degree in English in Canada upon immigration (1983), starting in the premature baby ward in Moncton Hospital, with patients undemanding of her English, before specializing in psychiatry at Dalhousie University and geriatric psychiatry in Vancouver, earning her FRCP(C). She arrived in Victoria in 1996 and became known for her patient centred care. Her patients were the fortunate beneficiaries of a practitioner who left no stone unturned. Long days of work at the Memorial Pavilion and RJH patient wards had evolved to oversight of several care facilities—Sandringham, Broadmead, Sunrise, Summit and others. Always active, she intrepidly biked to them in fair and foul weather.
Despite her relentless, indefatigable drive to provide excellent care, Sylvie had an open, fun-loving spirit and warmth that deeply touched everyone she met personally and professionally and drew friends and colleagues to her. Sylvie had a deep compassion for people and forged lifelong loyal friendships that endured over time and distance. A proud daughter of Brittany, she kept in touch from afar and visited her birthplace often. She had an outsized impact on those around her and her sudden passing leaves a giant hole across the Victoria care community.
The active and fulfilling life Sylvie and Hugh enjoyed together was multiplied ten-fold with the arrival of Lizu in 2005. The light of their life added to their adventures and child-raising years were enriched by a circle of like-minded parents, and more friendships forged.
Heart felt thanks are extended to all the staff at VGH who guided us through her last week, and to all dear friends and neighbours helping us through this senseless tragedy.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria BC, Wednesday, August 20th, 2025, at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask donations may be made to the following marine focussed charities:
Mon cœur este avec vous,
Mon corps est parti avec le vent,
Mais mon âme viendra chaque nuit
Ecouter la mer contre votre porte.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
This obituary is the property of the “Argouarch” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Diana Pimlott
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Susan MacRae Dear Hugh: I was so very sad to learn of Sylvie’s death and I send you and your daughter my sincere condolences. What a terrible tragedy. Sylvie was a wonderful doctor. She had such positive energy. I loved working with her and experiencing her commitment to her patients and their well-being . And you have lost your life partner and closest friend. I am so sorry. Sue MacRae.
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Alyx Valdal I met Sylvie in Mandarin class; she had so many stories and I’m glad I got to hear some of them (albeit simplified, as her Chinese was better than mine and she had to repeat and explain some things). She was so proud of her daughter and had such a full life (I was surprised she had time for Chinese class!).
Sending my condolences to all who loved Sylvie.
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Cynthia Moorhouse I am one amongst so many who worked with Dr. Argouarch over the years. She was consistently helpful to us, her colleagues, and steadfastly dedicated to her patients’ care. I will remember her always as a very special, capable and kind physician.
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Liz Hansen My deepest condolences Hugh Lizu and families for the sudden tragic loss of Sylvie! I met Sylvie a few times in the neighbourhood! She was a bright spot on this earth. May all those wonderful memories of her keep her close! Sadly, Liz
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Dean Bennett Sorry sorry to hear the loss of Sylvie. I know Sylvie and Hugh as they meet on a Ski trip with club tread. Then ran into them again after got married and adopted their daughter.
They loved the outdoors and were very active
My hear goes out to their families
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Donna Woods My deepest condolences to the family of Sylvie. Although I did not know her well, but I did know her kindness and enjoyment of life. I met Hugh and Sylvie a number of years ago at a resort. So sad to see someone so full of life and caring to be taken. May your memories of Sylvie filled that void in the heart of Hugh and Lizu.
Donna Woods
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Rita Palmer Dr Argouarch will always hold a special place in our family’s heart. She was on the care team that took care of my late husband Robert at the Summit.
Dr Argouarch was such a compassionate and caring, patient Doctor. No matter what question I had she would contact me with the answer. We were so blessed to have her take care of our loved one.
The Palmer family sends our condolences and will be thinking of you at this very difficult time.
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Melissa Krieger I was so sorry to read of the passing of Dr Argouarch. My mom was one of her patients and I would often attend her appointments with her. We were always treated with kindness and compassion, and left the appointments with hope. This is such a loss for the community. Sending love to her family, and sweet dog Chanel who we would sometimes meet at the office.
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Alexandra Ballard Sylvie was a true force of nature, intelligent, compassionate and endlessly curious. She was a wonderful colleague in our Mandarin conversation group, always gently pushing us to learn more, stretching ourselves within the safe confines of bonhomie and our communal joy of learning.
I am deeply shocked and terribly sad to learn of her accident. To Hugh and Lizu, of whom she was so proud, I offer my deepest condolences. And to her family in France also, I’m so sorry for your loss. Sylvie was a wonderful example for us all.
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Alex Henri-Bhargava My heartfelt condolences to all of Sylvia’s family and friends. She was a special colleague – highly competent, highly compassionate, always willing to help, and led by example. She was always so pleasant with everyone in her sphere and I will miss our hallway conversations. She will leave a giant hole in our medical community and an even bigger one in the hearts of all who knew her.
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Rita Teixeira Simple words cannot describe the outstanding care Dr. Argouarch has provided to our mother for several years. Her kindness and compassion will never be forgotten, a truly special soul.
Sending our sincere condolences to her family and friends during this very difficult time.
Lina and Family
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Jocelyne Sylvie, pleine de vie, Sylvie, la Bretonne, Sylvie la Canadienne des Côtes Ouest et Est, toujours partante pour des aventures en plein air, camping, randonnée, nage, badminton, kayak… et une partie effrénée de Uno avec les enfants. Sylvie, la porte toujours grande ouverte aux visiteurs des quatre coins du Canada et du monde. Nous nous rappellerons toujours de ton énergie contagieuse et de ta généreuse hospitalité. Nous nous rappellerons toujours des moments agréables que nous avons partagés avec toi, Hugh et Lizu…
Jocelyne, Karl, Justine et Franz.Sylvie, full of life, Sylvie, the Breton, Sylvie, the Canadian from the West and East Coasts, always up for outdoor adventures, camping, hiking, swimming, badminton, kayaking… and a wild game of Uno with the kids. Sylvie, the door always wide open to visitors from all over Canada and the world. We will always remember your contagious energy and your generous hospitality. We will always remember the wonderful times we shared with you, Hugh and Lizu…
Jocelyne, Karl, Justine, and Franz.
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Allison Patterson I am so sad to hear of Sylvie’s sudden death.
I knew of Sylvie before I came to work in Seniors Health in 2008…her reputation as a caring and “no stone unturned” physician was well known in Long Term Care. I was glad to get to know her reach extended to her acute care consultations and her Seniors Clinic work…her skill as a geriatric psychiatrist was incredible.In more recent years, we would run into each other at The Summit LTC and share a brief chat. She sent many consults to Occupational Therapy and Recreation Therapy on behalf of her patients. She was forever advocating for more activity and human contact. Even when we showed her how much someone was participating, she would ask, “Can’t we do more? They would benefit greatly.”
Yes Sylvie, I agree. Everyone would benefit from more connection.
Our residents and patients benefited from Sylvie. You are missed Sylvie. Condolences to your family and your many friends and colleagues. Thank you.
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kelly legault Our deepest condolences to Sylvie’s family. Our special doctor at victoria chinatown care center, Sylvie was more than our doctor she was our friend. Sharing her valuable knowledgeable,experience, and time with each of her patients. Sylvie understood and connected with all of the folks,she always knew just what to do. Knowing she was on our team with such dedication made us feel reassured they were all in good hands. Our center is deeply saddened by her absence and she will be greatly missed forever.To know her was a true blessing.
Kelly and the care team
Victoria chinatown care center.
Thk you Sylvie for being such an amazing cheerleader for the work we do in Recreation.
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Mike L Dear Hugh and Lizu, I’m very sorry for your loss. Sylvie was an amazing person and great friend. I feel blessed I got to know her. From the moment we met in China we had a deep connection, one that will last forever. My deepest sympathies.
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Neil Price Hugh and Lizu, We are so sorry for your loss – what terrible tragedy. We are all thinking of you during this difficult time. Neil, Indra and the Price family
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Rajeev Pai I am deeply saddened by the passing of dear Sylvie , she was a very special colleague , always kind , caring, compassionate and dedicated to her craft of healing her patients, the best she could. She will be missed by her patients, their families, her colleagues as well as numerous staff and members of Island health, whose life she has touched by her generosity of heart.
My heartfelt condolences to Hugh, Lizu, her close family and friends.
I will miss her smiling face , her kind heart, and her willingness to offer unreservedly helpful advice to assist me , with the care of patients that we have had the privilege of serving over the years.Raj Pai
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Paul Winston A devastating loss, and incomprehensible. My thoughts to Hugh and Lizu. A compassionate colleague, dedicated to her joy of family, fitness and travel outside of work. Always happy to chat in French.
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Janet Mak Sylvie was one of the most generous and kind people I have ever known. As a new grad, she taught me how to care for the most vulnerable patients with true compassion and dignity. As a new mother, she showed me what unconditional love and patience look like. We will miss her deeply. Hugh and Lizu, please know you are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Janet, Adrian, Samantha and Michaela
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Harry Clarke Sylvie was such a wonderful human being, and her loss is beyond words. She will be greatly missed, but her memories will live long.
Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Hugh & Lizu.Harry & Denise
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Karen England Sylvie was such a lovely person. She always had time for a chat when she was dropping off or picking up Chanel or when I ran into her at Willows Beach. Covid will prevent me from attending the ceremony tomorrow, but I will be thinking of you,Hugh and Lizu and Chanel.
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Justin Incredibly sad to hear of this tragedy, my thoughts and condolences to the family. Dr Argouarch always demonstrated such great care and compassion for all her patients, she will be greatly missed.
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Janet Ray and Jim Pine Twenty years ago it was a dark, rainy night and there was a knock at our back door. Hugh and Sylvie had biked in the rain to show us their beautiful new daughter Lizu. They were both dripping wet but beaming and so proud and happy. Sylvie had an indomitable spirit. She wasn’t going to let a little rain and jet lag stop them from sharing their joy.
Sylvie loved to dance and we have such wonderful memories of her dancing on the grass at our marimba parties: free flowing with a big smile on her face.
Sylvie had a deep love for the natural world. We could always count on Sylvie to be at events and rallies to protect and preserve the forests and oceans.
We are so deeply saddened by the sudden loss of a dear friend. We are grateful to have wonderful memories of shared Christmas dinners, charades and hikes together. Our deepest condolences to Hugh and Lizu.
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Dev Maher I first met Sylvie as a medical student many years ago, she was a kind and generous physician, always ready to listen and give you her precious time. I am heartbroken and send my sincere condolences to Hugh, Lizu and all her loved ones.
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Lillian Kurtz Our deepest condolences. Sylvie was a beautiful, strong lady and a wonderful physician. She will be missed. Daryl and Lillian
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Yvonne Roslin-White Hugh, Lizu, we have no words adequate to describe our feelings. You are in our thoughts.
Rick and Yvonne White
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Susy Raxlen It was a gift and a privilege to have Sylvie’s care and support in dealing with my husband’s devastating psychiatric illness. She was always there for us.
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Caroline Pattison Sylvie was a lovely and caring person who was always so gentle and kind with her patients. She was a wonderful colleague and we feel her loss immensely. My condolences to her family and friends, thinking of you and dear Sylvie XOXOX
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Mary Neal My deepest sympathies. Sylvie was an inspirational person and wonderful friend. I spent many happy afternoons caring for Lizu when she was very small and I was a student at university. It was a privilege and a pleasure to be part of your loving family. The patience and dedication in Sylvie and Hugh’s parenting was inspiring to be a small part of.
My thoughts are with you.
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Donna Mears Sincere condolences, a tragic loss. I experienced the expertise and care Sylvie was noted for both as a health care professional and in my personal life. When she consulted on a patient you knew things would be well managed.
I will never forget the support she gave to my mother over many years of care. Mom loved her visits to the clinic. She felt heard, seen and understood. I felt supported in my mother’s time of need. She will truly be missed but well remembered with great appreciation for who she was.
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Russell Grimwood I have had the honour of working with Sylvie for over 25 years. Her care, dedication, and council for myself and my patients has been exceptional.
With deepest sympathy.
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Kathy Dabrus I am so sorry to hear of Sylvie’s passing .She was dedicated to doing her best for everyone she was involved with. She was so caring with the frail and the elderly in her professional life .She will be missed. Hugh and Lizu my thoughts are with you at this sad and tragic time .
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David Brook Sylvie’s attention to her patients’ suffering and her resolve in comforting and consoling them was singular. Her lovingkindness and professionalism in dealing with Long Term Care residents and their families in particular was nonpareil. She would be quick to identify any contributor to one’s suffering and would strive to remedy it, however long it took or how hard it was to do so. Her passing leaves a great hole in the heart of every colleague,friend. patient and of patients’ families who had the privilege of being served by her. My condolences to Sylvie’s family and to all who mourn. May her memory be for a blessing to us and may it inspire us to perform deeds of lovingkindness and generosity.
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Christine Cosack I was deeply saddened to hear of Sylvie’s passing, and heartbroken that she was taken so suddenly and so cruelly from a life she embraced with such energy and dedication.
In the years I worked in the same field, I had the good fortune of many encounters with Sylvie—sometimes as colleagues concerned for a patient’s wellbeing, and at other times simply sharing stories from Brittany, a place close to both our hearts. Those conversations remain vivid to me, as do her warmth, humour, and unwavering commitment to those in her care.
My heartfelt condolences to her family, and to all who loved her.
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Jan Nelson and Rick Quinn Dr Argouarch provided our family with excellent medical and kind, thoughtful support for many years.
She was a wonderful lady and is sadly missed. Our sincere condolences to her family.
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Claudio and LIllAnne Hugh and Lizu,
Our hearts are with you as you deal with the huge vacuum of Sylvie’s absence.
We will remember forever the good times hiking with her and her true passion and joy for swimming in every lake and in any weather.
We truly miss her.
All our love … Claudio and LillAnne
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Pierre Dil To the family, I give my heartfelt condolences. I recall many bedside and hallway conversations at Royal Jubilee Hospital, as we navigated best solutions for the elderly and palliative patients, together. We used to smile and chuckle meeting up multiple times over the years, both charged with some of the most difficult social and medical problems on the wards. Sylvie brought cheer, thoughtfulness and skill to complex scenarios.
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Bob Crane It was always enjoyable to hike with Sylvie. She had such a pleasant nature and loved the outdoors. I also feel fortunate to have seen her in her professional role at a psychogeriatric conference, seeing her dedicated and sympathetic approach to her work.
Hugh and Lizu, I’m so sorry for your loss, and for ours too.
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David Lengert God bless Sylvie. A beautiful soul.
May she rest in peace.
Linda and I are extremely sad to hear this news.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Hugh & Lizu.
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David Leishman Sylvie was a wonderfully generous, warm hearted and compassionate person.
She will be fondly and respectfully remembered by all of the medical colleagues and health care professionals who had the good fortune to work along side her.
Sylvie’s warm smile, engaging laugh and the twinkle in her eye live on in my memories of her.
My sincere condolences to Hugh, Lizu, and Sylvie’s family and friends.
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Constance Lizu and Hugh – so very sorry for your loss and to all that knew and loved her.
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Bryon Penner Hugh and Lizu, So sorry to hear about the loss of Sylvie and the important place she was in your lives. Hoping ample good memories will bring peace in your loss.
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Jenny Spring Sylvie was a joyful, compassionate, thoughtful person and physician and I am lucky to have worked with her in caring for seniors in Victoria. I remember and cherish running into her in busy hallways and always seeing her bright smile. I am so sorry for your loss and for the loss to the community in all the ways that will be felt.
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Dr. Sandi Culo I was lucky enough to work with Sylvie from 2011-2014 . I drifted to other cities after but never forgot her. She exemplified the best of human nature and was an outstanding doctor, colleague, and friend. My sincere condolences to Sylvie’s family in France, Canada, and the rest of the world.
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Niobe, Linda, Vita & Iris This obituary is a beautiful and moving testament to the person Sylvie was, but of course words cannot fully capture her unique spirit and wonderful mind. Sylvie and her family embraced us and our girls when we first moved to Victoria six years ago, and we made many precious memories with her since then. Her sudden death touches us deeply, and we are so sad for Hugh and Lizu. It’s hard to imagine that we won’t be able to swim, hike, ski or enjoy good food with her again. Hugh and Lizu, we are here to support you and be your continuing good friends.
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Milda Markauskas My condolences to Hugh and Lizu. So sorry for your loss…Milda
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Elise Musoke I am very sorry for your loss. Thinking about you in Eastern Canada.
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Darren Cotterell Such a wonderful tribute to a very special soul who manifested all that we should aspire to be as human beings. Sylvie radiated hope and warmth- and her devotion to her family, her patients and nature never failed to inspire me. Our world, and the Earth in general, is a much emptier place without her and her ever present smile and Gallic shrug. We will miss her and are so grateful for all Sylvie did to make us feel at home in Victoria. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hugh and Lizu (and Chanel).
Darren, Ruth, Evie and Adam (and Smithy)
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Pernille and Michael We are devastated and deeply saddened to lose Sylvie, our dear friend. We miss her endlessly bright, positive spirit and energy. It is difficult to know that we won’t see her again, go for walks or swims with her, and seek her advice and encouragement.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Hugh and Lizu during this difficult time. We are there when you need us. Pernille and Michael
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Anna and Don We are extremely sorry to hear about Sylvie passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
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Ariel Chiu I am deeply sadden by Sylvie’s passing.Sylvie was so strong, free,smart and funny. We shared so many moments of joy, travelling, and life in our Mandarin class. She will always be my inspiration. My condolences with Hugh and Lizu. I am very sorry for your loss.
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Laurence Sims Hugh and Lizu,
Sylvie will be greatly missed by everyone in our little French book club. She was kind, intelligent, compassionate, funny and I will always remember the good times spent in her company. She became a dear friend. My heart is heavy with sorrow and I find it very hard to accept what happened to such a beautiful person.
My most sincere condolences to both of you.
Laurence
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Glenlyon Norfolk School Alumni Engagement and Advancement Staff On behalf of Glenlyon Norfolk School, we send our deepest sympathies on your recent loss. Sincerely, the staff of Alumni Engagement & Advancement.
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Richard and Maryanna Phillips We send our deepest condolences in the passing of this remarkable woman.
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Gwyneth Wilbur Hugh and Lizu, my deepest felt condolences to you both and all your friends and families. You are in my heart and mind at during these sad times.
Gwyneth Wilbur
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Louise (Jade's mum) Sylvie has been a big part of my motherhood experience, and we also bonded through sports and the outdoors. She has been a great friend, model and guide. Her words of wisdom will always be with me.
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Abee Abed I am very sorry for our loss, the whole medical field lost unparalleled supportive physician.
My condolences to you Hugh and lizu, I can not express my sadness. It is shocking. Sylvie was a dear friend. She was the most kind, gentle, thoughtful person I have ever known.
As described, she was a fine person to the core.
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Peter, Sofi, Emily, and Nicholas Almers-Hilton Rest in peace, good Sylvie. Your full and wonderful life enriched so many others. Our hearts and prayers go out to her wonderful family, Hugh and Lizu, and her family in France.
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Marilyn Bater Sylvie was a dear friend and colleague whose dedication to her patients was unmatched. Our remembrance of her will always be her quick laugh, and her warmth and kindness to all. We share your sadness. Marilyn and Jim
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Janice & Emma Oh Hugh and Lizu, we are so very sorry to hear of Sylvie’s passing. Sending hugs your way during this very difficult time❤️
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Shannon, Ken, and Deanna Hayes We are so sorry to hear of Sylvie’s passing.
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Sarah Emslie God bless Sylvie. Gordon, Lizzie and I are thinking of you and Lizu. We will remember her laugh and twinkling eyes always xx
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Alexander Dougall Our thoughts are with Hugh and Lizu at this very sad and tragic time. Sylvie was a wonderful colleague and her laugh rings on. Alex and Lin
Jeepers, I just found out. I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Argouarch, she was so good to my family during a horrible time in our lives. She was there for us; especially my mom Donna. The world is missing an angel here on earth.