October 7, 1928 - May 9, 2020
Sylvia Gilchrist (formerly Burrell), died on May 9, 2020 surrounded by her family at home at the age of 91 years.
Sylvia Rutter was born on Oct.7, 1928 in Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham in England where she trained to become a Registered Nurse. She immigrated to Canada in 1952 with her parents and was joined by Tony Burrell, her fiance and they married and had 5 children. Most of their lives were spent in Maple Ridge on "the farm", where they raised the kids and the various horses, cows, pigs and dogs. Sylvia worked at Maple Ridge Hospital in the maternity ward bringing many babies into the world over the years while being a wonderful mother to her 5 children. She was a generous, affectionate and loving mother always there to give a hug, read a story or attend a sports game.
Seeking a change the family moved to "Big Sky" country to Riske Creek in the Chilcotin and worked hard running the General Store for a couple of years before moving to Williams Lake and then eventually returning back to Maple Ridge.
Upon her divorce from Tony, Sylvia married Derrick Gilchrist, an acquaintance from her past in England and they shared many exciting travel adventures to India and China eventually settling back in Canada.
After Derrick's death Sylvia remained in the Cariboo at the 108 Ranch and soon met Raymond Fletcher who lived nearby on a large ranch at 140 Mile House. Together they explored small towns and villages throughout Mexico and Central America in a VW van with their dogs as company. As she got older they stayed closer to home and Sylvia spent her time collecting dolls, reading and cooking and enjoying time with Ray, her children and grandchildren.
Sylvia leaves behind Raymond and her 5 children and their partners, 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
A private service will be held this summer at the ranch.
"And while she rests in peaceful sleep
Her memory we shall always keep"