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.
65 Responses
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.
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.
My condolences to Hugh and Lizu. So sorry for your loss…Milda
I am very sorry for your loss. Thinking about you in Eastern Canada.
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)
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
We are extremely sorry to hear about Sylvie passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
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.
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
On behalf of Glenlyon Norfolk School, we send our deepest sympathies on your recent loss. Sincerely, the staff of Alumni Engagement & Advancement.