SYLVIA IRENE RAUTAVUORI

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SYLVIA IRENE RAUTAVUORI (nee Beauchemin) March 21, 1950 - December 29, 2010 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sylvia Irene Rautavuori on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at Health Sciences Centre at the age of 60 years. Remaining to forever cherish Sylvia's memory is her beloved husband William; cherished son Daniel; mother Elizabeth Beauchemin (nee Haddock); sisters Noella (Gil) Petit, Doris (Syd) Griffith, Helene Beauchemin; brother Roland Beauchemin; sisters-in-law Leona and Merrily; nieces Jacqueline, Nicole, Lynette, Marielle, Theresa and Margaux; nephews Bernie, Noel, Marc, Richard, and Marcel; their families and an abundance of cousins; friends and colleagues who absolutely adored her. She was predeceased by her father Jules Beauchemin; brother Robert Beauchemin; niece Andree Dufault; nephew Jamie Beauchemin and her in-laws George and Aili Rautavuori. Born in Winnipeg, MB on March 21, 1950, Sylvia grew up on a farm in Ile-des-Chenes and, being the over-achiever she always was, began teaching at only 17 years old. Commencing her career in Island Lake, Sylvia absolutely loved every moment of her illustrious 40-year teaching career where she directly and deeply impacted an unprecedented amount of lives. She was a highly esteemed French teacher who spent the majority of her career in Winnipeg; first at J.B Mitchell and then at General Wolfe where she spent the better part of her career. She was undoubtedly the favourite teacher' of anyone who ever had the blessing of being one of her students and was the favourite colleague' of her fellow teachers and staff. Sylvia was known for going far above and beyond her duties as a teacher with various extracurricular activities such as the annual street clean up. Anyone who had the blessing of knowing Sylvia knows with unbending certainty that she was the sweetest, most caring, gentle, compassionate and kindest person to ever walk this earth. She had a Christ-like way of giving and was the personification of good. Always putting everyone else before herself, she was the first to jump at the chance to help anyone in need - a true Angel on Earth. She was a beacon of Light who shared that Light with anyone who she crossed paths with. Sylvia enjoyed many things and always celebrated Life in general but, to those who knew her, it goes without saying that her greatest love was giving and doing good unto others. Loving to sing and dance, Sylvia would often break out into a playful jig in the kitchen without warning. She took great pride in landscaping and gardening, ensuring every year that her and Bill's yard was full of plants and flowers she so lovingly planted. Sylvia took such joy in doing anything with and for her son Danny, who she constantly reminded of her love for, calling him her pride and joy' and her gift from God' right up to the day she left this earthly plane. She enjoyed putting a smile on people's faces with her good-natured sense of humour. With that said, just being in Sylvia's presence put a smile on one's face. Her unconditional love and light was infectious. At the end of the day, although the legacy Sylvia left could easily create a series of books, there are no human words to adequately express the gift to this world that was Sylvia Rautavuori. She was the pinnacle of what a mother, wife, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend, teacher, and colleague could ever be, and was a prime example of human potential and the good we are all capable of. Although she has transitioned back into her essential spiritual state and has left the physical plane, she will forever reside here on Earth in the hearts of all the lives she so lovingly touched. In compliance with Sylvia's wishes, no Funeral Service will be held. In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that you do what Sylvia loved doing, and that is to go out of your way to help someone in need in her honour. When I die I will soar with Angels. What I will become, You cannot imagine. - Rumi Mama, my Angel, the most precious gift Life ever gave me was having you as my mother. You gave me Life in more ways than you could ever know. The impact you have had on me, Dad and anyone who knew you, and the gift it was for us all to have had an Angel like you in our lives, you cannot imagine. We all love you infinitely. You are OUR gift from God, always and forever.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 2010