Obituary of Sylvia Lance
December 17, 1941 – Blue Wing, Manitoba
August 1, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta
Sylvia, beloved wife of Hermas Lance, sadly passed away at the young age of 81 in Calgary, AB. Sylvia was born in Blue Wing, MB in 1941 to Helen (Lena) and Louie Onofriechuk, Louie of whom tragically passed away before her birth. She also known as Mom, Grandma, Sister-Mom, Daughter, Auntie, Sister and Cousin. She was always kind, loved to dance, play cards till the wee morning and often gleefully cheated at the game. She loved to write songs and was always on the go. She was very hard-working and often, out of necessity, worked multiple jobs. She was the best storyteller and the stories never actually came to an end and were always filled with laughter and giggles. Sylvia always had the door open for everyone, many calling her mom. She loved to gather her family to make them her traditional Ukrainian dinners, in turn keeping them close to her. She was known to start cooking in the wee morning hours with many dozen perogies, cabbage rolls, crepes, meatballs and headcheese and often found herself with dozens of cookies, cakes and muffins at the end of the day as well.
She left the homestead at an early age, travelling from Blue Wing to many places out east, eventually settling down in Calgary. Sylvia had the most positive attitude, was very strong willed and stubborn with the strength to overcome any obstacle which got her through difficult times. Her positive attitude helped her surpass all the doctors’ expectations.
Sylvia will be sadly missed by her loving husband, Hermas, together for 31 years and her sons, Dennis (Jenny) and Jeff; daughter-in law, Shelley; grandchildren Ryan, Kyle, Ashley, Bryan, Colin, Noella, Danyelle, Kayla and Jesse and 15 great grandchildren. Also, sisters, Elsie, Doreen (Mike), brother Johnny (Sylvia), her niece who was considered a little sister, Roseann (Keith), as well as many other nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones.
Sylvia was predeceased by her two sons, Roger and Jason, 5 brothers and 2 sisters, her parents, Helen (Lena) Keeper, Louie Onofriechuk and stepfather Eli Keeper.
Thank you to all the doctors and staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Center and especially Sylvia’s family doctor, Dr. Qaiser. We are grateful to the exceptional Emergency personnel and Sylvia and Hermas’ neighbors that assisted during their time of need.
Private Family Viewing and Farewell will be at:
Heritage Funeral Services Ltd
Calgary Crematorium and Funeral Services
3219 4th Street NW (Located inside Queens Park Cemetery)
Friday August 4th, 2023
Viewing: 1pm-3pm
Closed Casket with Prayers and Blessings: 3pm-4pm
Celebration of Life: 5pm
Greenwood Village Community Hall
#122 – 3223 83rd Street N.W.
Calgary, AB T3B 5N1