January 6, 1939 - July 15, 2024
Sylvia Williams, age 85 passed away peacefully, July 15, 2024, after a brief stay at Rotary Hospice, Stratford. Born January 6, 1939 in Sarnia, Ontario to Eva Hansen and Bruno Cannizzarro. Survived by sister Sandra (Dave) Renton. Sylvia lived her childhood in Gravenhurst and ventured away as a young adult to Toronto. She married Donald Gordon Ball and they had 3 children; daughter Lori Vollmer deceased, (Tom); grandchildren, Jennifer Luckhardt, (Paul Israel) & Great Granddaughter Payton, Kitchener; Daniel Kramp Cambridge, Billy Joe Semple, (Matt) Listowel & Great grandchildren; Milena, Rowen & Elsie, Benjamin Vollmer, Kamloops, BC; daughter Patti Chapman (Carl) Stratford, grandchildren Chris Chapman (Taryn) Thorndale, Owen Chapman (Joanna Ilnicki) St. Thomas, Laura Chapman (Austin Carter) Stratford; son Peter Ball (Kim Siegner-Baker) Mitchell, grandchildren Jackson Ball, Ashlee Bennewies
Sylvia enjoyed her many years working with seniors at Mitchell Nursing Home and Ritz Lutheran Villa, before returning to upgrade her schooling, while being a mother to 3 young children
Sylvia graduated from Fanshawe College in 1977 as a Registered Nursing Assistant and had a career nursing at Stratford General Hospital/RECU, until her retirement in 1992.
Sylvia’s love for the North was deeply felt and she moved from Stratford back to Gravenhurst in Sept 1992, to spend more time with her sister and brother-in-law. There she met her husband, John Williams, and they built a beautiful life together.
Sylvia gained 3 wonderful stepchildren and their families. Including 15 great grandchildren.
Dan & Marilyn Williams (Jeanelle & MacKenzie), Andrew & Krystal Williams (Cierra & Dezzy)
Lisa & Paul Blais (Zach, Danica, Roxanne & Jasmine).
Sylvia & John moved out to BC in 1998 and enjoyed their years out there being close to their family there, until ultimately deciding to return to Gravenhurst in 2017, where they both felt most at home and enjoyed their remaining years together until John’s passing in 2021.
Sylvia was a gentle lady, with a quick smile and a soft heart for animals and always had a pet. She was an amazing cook and baker, her butter tarts were something out of this world, she had a love for singing oldies (off key) and knitting. She was extremely proud of her grand kids and loved hearing what they were doing and especially enjoyed the last 3 years when she lived close enough to spend more time with her grandchildren.
We take solace in knowing that Sylvia was reunited with the love of her life John, loving Daughter Lori and long-time dog best friend Jack.
Sylvia’s family will gather in Gravenhurst, where she will be put to rest. A heartfelt thank you to the many wonderful staff at McCarthy Place and Rotary Hospice Stratford, Dr. Anne Martin, Dr. VanOosten and Community Care Partners’ nurses, who provided such loving care to Mom. Arrangements entrusted to the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
