Myrtle Goldie

Sylvia Myrtle Goldie neé Gray
(September 4th 1932 - December 28th 2019)

Sylvia was born on the family farm in Stockholm Saskatchewan. She was the fifth child (of six) born to May and Dave Gray. Sylvia told us of many happy memories of growing up on the farm involving animals, outhouses, and getting bucked off a horse all the time. She played hockey, sang in the church choir, and babysat neighbor kids. The family moved several times before settling in Vancouver in the late 40s. Eventually Sylvia began working at Woodward’s downtown store where she met her future husband, George Goldie.

George and Sylvia were wed on July 5th 1952. In their years together, the Goldies enjoyed bowling, dancing, pitch ‘n’ putt (where she thought she was really good because her score was so high). She began working at The Bay that year. In April 1953, their first child Tom was born. Greg was born 2 years later in September 1955. They bought their first home in Coquitlam in 1958. George’s father lived with them which allowed Sylvia returned to work. Their daughter Debbie was born in April 1960. The family was complete in September 1964 when son Rick was born. Sylvia was very busy raising their children, keeping home, and contributing to the PTA. Knitting, sewing, and crocheting were hobbies that brought her joy. Emptynesters George and Sylvia settled in Pitt Meadows in 1989. As the family grew older, grandchildren were gained over the years: Courtney, Caitlin, Adam, Colleen, India, and Zane.

Family and friends were very important to Sylvia and she maintained relationships with everyone she knew and loved back home on the prairies. The Goldies spent time each summer back on the prairies. In later years, they took bus trips to Las Vegas, Arizona, and Reno. Her world was rocked in 2004 when grandson Adam passed away at the age of 16. To lift their spirits, George and Sylvia would pass the time walking around the mall and drinking coffee at Zellers with a new group of friends. During this time they also began lawn bowling in North Burnaby with George’s sister, Jeanette.

In Autumn 2012 George’s health declined and he was diagnosed with cancer. In March 2013 they downsized and moved to an independent living complex in Langley. Sylvia lost the love of her life when George passed away in May that year. By that time, Sylvia had been living with Alzheimer’s for several years but was still able to maintain her independence. She loved the entertainment her building provided, and she sang in the choir twice a week. Her favourite event was the Halloween children’s parades. Sylvia liked drives to Fort Langley and Stanley Park.

Joy returned to her life with the arrival of her first great-grandchild, Grace, who was born shortly after Sylvia’s 85th birthday. One year later, her second great-grandchild Meredith was born. Sylvia adored having 4 generations of women.

Sylvia’s health began to decline in September 2019. Many loved ones visited her on December 28th and she passed away that afternoon with her brother Glen holding her hand.

Loved ones remember Sylvia’s sense of humour, her flirtatious personality, and her time spent playing Freecell or scratch tickets. She was a hugger, loved everybody, and wanted everyone to get along.

She was predeceased by her parents Dave and May; siblings Marjorie (Jim), Evelyn (Adolf), Alan (Jean), and Elsie (Jim); grandson Adam; and George, love of her life for 62 years.

She is survived by her brother Glen Gray (Dorothy); children Tom (Mollie), Greg (Jenny), Debbie, Rick (Sue); grandchildren Courtney, Caitlin (Mat), Colleen (Thomas), India, and Zane; great grandchildren Grace and Meredith; sister-in-law Jeanette Dawson; and many nieces and nephews.