Sylvia Parasiuk
Peacefully, with her girls by her side, at the Jewish General Hospital.
Beloved wife of Anthony Chesterman (d. 2017), loving mother to Lorraine Chesterman Holl and Lesley Chesterman, grandmother of Zoe and Alix Holl, and Max and Luke Bazin. Mother-in-law to Philippe Holl, Bertrand Bazin and Jean Aubry. Sister of Grace Parasiuk (d. 1993), Wilson Parasiuk, and sister-in-law, Wilma Parasiuk. Adored aunt of Michael Parasiuk (d. 2020) and Laurel Lawry.
Born in 1937, in depression-era Saskatchewan to William and Lillian Parasiuk, Sylvia was inspired by the big skies of the prairies to explore distant horizons throughout her life. Her parents valued education above all for their children. Learning - and later teaching - became a passion for Sylvia. Her lifelong interest in English Literature guided her as she fell in love with an Englishman. Married to Tony in 1962, the young couple moved to Montreal where Sylvia taught at Holy Names High School. She progressed quickly from teacher to administrator, eventually becoming Director of Curriculum for the Montreal Catholic School Commission. As a working woman when it was far from the norm, Sylvia was a role model for both her daughters. Upon retirement, she and Tony moved to Hampshire, England for twenty years. A lover of life, Sylvia had a special talent for elevating the everyday, creating special moments for her beloved family and friends. All who knew her will remember her generosity, culinary skills, intellectual curiosity, inspiring resilience, and great wit. She shall be greatly missed and with us always.
Beloved wife of Anthony Chesterman (d. 2017), loving mother to Lorraine Chesterman Holl and Lesley Chesterman, grandmother of Zoe and Alix Holl, and Max and Luke Bazin. Mother-in-law to Philippe Holl, Bertrand Bazin and Jean Aubry. Sister of Grace Parasiuk (d. 1993), Wilson Parasiuk, and sister-in-law, Wilma Parasiuk. Adored aunt of Michael Parasiuk (d. 2020) and Laurel Lawry.
Born in 1937, in depression-era Saskatchewan to William and Lillian Parasiuk, Sylvia was inspired by the big skies of the prairies to explore distant horizons throughout her life. Her parents valued education above all for their children. Learning - and later teaching - became a passion for Sylvia. Her lifelong interest in English Literature guided her as she fell in love with an Englishman. Married to Tony in 1962, the young couple moved to Montreal where Sylvia taught at Holy Names High School. She progressed quickly from teacher to administrator, eventually becoming Director of Curriculum for the Montreal Catholic School Commission. As a working woman when it was far from the norm, Sylvia was a role model for both her daughters. Upon retirement, she and Tony moved to Hampshire, England for twenty years. A lover of life, Sylvia had a special talent for elevating the everyday, creating special moments for her beloved family and friends. All who knew her will remember her generosity, culinary skills, intellectual curiosity, inspiring resilience, and great wit. She shall be greatly missed and with us always.