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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.