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 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.
Our deepest condolences. Sylvie was a beautiful, strong lady and a wonderful physician. She will be missed. Daryl and Lillian
Hugh, Lizu, we have no words adequate to describe our feelings. You are in our thoughts.
Rick and Yvonne White
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 .
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.