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
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.
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
I write to you today to express my deep sadness for your untimely loss of “Dr. Sylvie”, as I knew her. She made a unique impact on my current life, beginning when I met her at Sandringham in Dec. 2020. She guided me from total despair, through the following two years along with the staff team there, to reclaiming my senior years and “leading my best life EVER”. It was through her letter of exception (as she called it) that I came to be accepted to The Cridge Seniors Village Centre, where I now enjoy enriching life experiences and can also make a positive contribution to our community. Her compassion for her patients and Chanel – her “special assistant”, will always remembered!
Due to a long awaited physiotherapy appointment early this afternoon, I cannot attend the Memorial Service in her honour, but my spirit will be with all of you.
Sincerely,
Brenda Beckstrom
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.