Barbara Sylvia Canning Obituary March 17, 2017 Barbara “Sylvia” Canning always dreamed of winning big with her 649 lottery ticket. She bought one every week, no matter the weather. But for those who knew and loved her, she had already won the biggest prize by reaching her 96th year. Her life was one for the history books. On March 17th, “Nanny” passed away peacefully at Bay Haven nursing home in Collingwood, Ontario, surrounded by her loving daughter and son, Beverly Mc Master and Gordon Canning. The story of Sylvia Canning begins on April 19, 1921, in London, England. She was born to Herbert “Bertie” and Alice Mabel Ainger. Bertie worked as a butler for eight British prime ministers, including Winston Churchill, which meant he was privy to important wartime discussions. Sylvia had four siblings: Joan (who has passed), Gordon (who has also passed), Ken and Janet. WWII greatly impacted their lives in many ways. At just 15 years old, she took a job in a government factory making bombs. Shortly after that war brought her together with a handsome Canadian soldier named Frederick Canning at the Hammersmith Palais de Danse. Sylvia loved to dance; this would be her last dance as a single woman. On June 13th, 1942, Sylvia married Fred and welcomed baby Gordon the following year. After the war ended, this brave young mother packed up her family and moved to Canada-a new land for them all. Sylvia once said, “I was in love and love can do anything to you – in my case it swayed my mind into going with my new love to the new world, this great country Canada!” She joined countless British-Canadian war brides along with their children as they crossed the Atlantic on Cunard Line’s Britannic in 1945. Sylvia, Fred, Gord – then later baby Bev – settled down in Cornwall, Ontario. Sylvia became an inspiring motivator for Weight Watchers where she delivered uplifting talks. If you were to describe Sylvia in a few words: feisty, funny, quick-witted and warm-hearted would fit perfectly. She adored Shepherd’s pie and Apple Crisp (made only in large aluminum baking pans), enjoyed afternoon tea time while singing The White Cliffs of Dover; she liked knitting and painting too; socializing came naturally to her especially during Bible Studies at the Church of Christ; she admired Royals like Churchill; but above all else-she cherished her family deeply. She often credited the experiences from wartime for helping her lead a long life: “Getting through the war made me feel that I can get through anything…” And indeed she did! Sylvia Canning is truly a treasure who will be remembered fondly both historically and personally. Sylvia leaves behind Bev, Gord (Lee), five grandchildren Jeff (Sandra), Luke (Tracy), Jonathon (Heather) and Rob Mc Master (Laura) along with Andrea Canning (Tony)-all lovingly calling her Nanny-and twelve great-grandchildren Nash, Nolan , Logan , Hudson , Liam , Marlowe , Paige Mc Master , Anna , Charlie , Kiki , Georgia , Elle Bancroft. Here’s cheers to an incredible woman.. Sylvia “Nanny” Canning.
The service will take place in the Georgian Bay Room at Village Conference Centre located within Blue Mountain Resort on Sunday July 9 at 1 p. m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bras Drug Development Program www. thepmcf. ca/bras at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre which would be greatly appreciated. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks towards Bay Haven Nursing Home staff members for their kindness; Dr. Ghandi ; Marilyn Mc Eachern whose friendship brought comfort ; Right at Home services have also been invaluable. We sincerely appreciate our friends’ support along with their thoughtful condolences. To send flowers or plant a tree memory honoring Barbara “Sylvia” Canning please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
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