Obituary for Sylvia Mary Bell (Koch)
On July 15th Sylvia Bell, surrounded by her loving fans, fulfilled her last curtain call on this earthly stage. She left us in peace and love as she claimed her place among the Stars.
Sylvia was welcomed to this world on January 20,1925 by her parents Paul and Regina Koch (Huck) of Vibank Saskatchewan. Here she joined her siblings Marion, Rosemary, Norbert and Roy before the family moved to Winnipeg in 1931. As a young teen Sylvia made many friends through her interest in amateur theater and a love of entertainment. Music, song and dance provided a great outlet for her as she grew up during the depression and war years.
Sylvia wed Albert Sturney and together they raised six children before they dissolved their union in 1975. Sylvia faced many challenges in her life but it was her indomitable spirit that led her to be Alberta bound, working in Banff before settling in Calgary where she became an executive secretary at Petro Canada. While working at Petro Canada she joined her associates and reprized her entertaining role to the delight of residents in care homes. Her love of music and dance was further enhanced when she discovered Jazzercize. Through Jazzercize she was able to keep fit by doing what she loved best, dancing. Sylvia's good life in Calgary came full circle when she met the love of her life, Larry Bell. Larry and Sylvia shared good times until cancer took Larry away from his Hunny Bunny.
Sylvia returned to Winnipeg in her retirement where she enjoyed weekly shopping trips with her sisters and time with family and friends . She enjoyed bowling at Mosienko Lanes and with a womens' league at Polo Park Bowling Center. Entertaining was still in her veins. In her 7th decade the Winnipeg movie industry offered her an opportunity to take roles as an extra in a number of films, including The Stone Angel.
Sylvia will always be remembered for her vivaciousness and "you get more flies with honey" attitude by her family and friends. Her presence will always be felt and cherished by her daughters April Braun (Dave), June Shumila (Mort), Rosemary Pfeifer (Gary), Jan Antonello (Neil), May Barr, and son Jim Sturney (Sue), step sons Chris, John and Mark Bell. Gramma Tinkerbell filled the hearts and imaginations of 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. She will be missed by her dear long-time friend and fellow writer, Bev Tenzen. And we know she is again shaking things up on the dance floor with her late childhood friend Florence Kehler.
Sylvia required special care during the last decade of her life. The family sincerely thanks the wonderful and dedicated staff at Misericordia Place Long Term Care and Fred Douglas Heritage House. The love and attention they provided Mom helped her transition through the many challenges she faced. And we are grateful to Lenny for the caring visits and walks she shared with Mom.
We are truly blessed to have you as our mother, gramma, great gramma and friend Sylvia. Nobody could make doing the dishes as fun as you did. You will always be our guiding Star. Meet you over the rainbow some day my pretty....
Sylvia was welcomed to this world on January 20,1925 by her parents Paul and Regina Koch (Huck) of Vibank Saskatchewan. Here she joined her siblings Marion, Rosemary, Norbert and Roy before the family moved to Winnipeg in 1931. As a young teen Sylvia made many friends through her interest in amateur theater and a love of entertainment. Music, song and dance provided a great outlet for her as she grew up during the depression and war years.
Sylvia wed Albert Sturney and together they raised six children before they dissolved their union in 1975. Sylvia faced many challenges in her life but it was her indomitable spirit that led her to be Alberta bound, working in Banff before settling in Calgary where she became an executive secretary at Petro Canada. While working at Petro Canada she joined her associates and reprized her entertaining role to the delight of residents in care homes. Her love of music and dance was further enhanced when she discovered Jazzercize. Through Jazzercize she was able to keep fit by doing what she loved best, dancing. Sylvia's good life in Calgary came full circle when she met the love of her life, Larry Bell. Larry and Sylvia shared good times until cancer took Larry away from his Hunny Bunny.
Sylvia returned to Winnipeg in her retirement where she enjoyed weekly shopping trips with her sisters and time with family and friends . She enjoyed bowling at Mosienko Lanes and with a womens' league at Polo Park Bowling Center. Entertaining was still in her veins. In her 7th decade the Winnipeg movie industry offered her an opportunity to take roles as an extra in a number of films, including The Stone Angel.
Sylvia will always be remembered for her vivaciousness and "you get more flies with honey" attitude by her family and friends. Her presence will always be felt and cherished by her daughters April Braun (Dave), June Shumila (Mort), Rosemary Pfeifer (Gary), Jan Antonello (Neil), May Barr, and son Jim Sturney (Sue), step sons Chris, John and Mark Bell. Gramma Tinkerbell filled the hearts and imaginations of 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. She will be missed by her dear long-time friend and fellow writer, Bev Tenzen. And we know she is again shaking things up on the dance floor with her late childhood friend Florence Kehler.
Sylvia required special care during the last decade of her life. The family sincerely thanks the wonderful and dedicated staff at Misericordia Place Long Term Care and Fred Douglas Heritage House. The love and attention they provided Mom helped her transition through the many challenges she faced. And we are grateful to Lenny for the caring visits and walks she shared with Mom.
We are truly blessed to have you as our mother, gramma, great gramma and friend Sylvia. Nobody could make doing the dishes as fun as you did. You will always be our guiding Star. Meet you over the rainbow some day my pretty....