SYLVIA WINIFRED THOMPSON (BOWLES)

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SYLVIA WINIFRED (BOWLES)
THOMPSON
June 2, 1924 - January 4, 2020

Sylvia Winifred (Bowles) Thompson passed away peacefully in her sleep at Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the age of 95.
Sylvia was predeceased by her parents, Edwin and Gertrude Bowles; by her siblings, Roy, Ted, and Margaret; and by her devoted husband Art Thompson (2002). She is survived by her children, Bonnie, Rae, Rod, Bob and Larry; and by seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
During her childhood in Swan River, Manitoba, Sylvia was a serious student and an avid girl guide. After completing Grade 11 she apprenticed as a lino-type setter at the local newspaper. She moved to Ottawa in 1942 and joined the RCAF in 1943, eventually being stationed in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. While enlisted as a radar plotter she met Art Thompson and they married on July 9, 1945, settling in Brandon, Manitoba at the end of the Second World War.
During their 15 years in Brandon, Sylvia was a keen participant in the activities of the Brandon Figure Skating Club, later becoming a figure skating judge with the Canadian Figure Skating Association. She completed her Grade 12 diploma and Teacher's College in Brandon while raising her three children. The family moved to Winnipeg in 1960. Summertime always found Sylvia and the children at Clear Lake, Riding Mountain National Park, joined by Art for weekends and holidays.
Sylvia enjoyed several years teaching elementary school and special classes in the St. Boniface School division, retiring in 1967 to focus solely on new family members, Bob in 1966 and Larry in 1974.
She became seriously and actively involved with the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, studiously implementing their theories. Sylvia was well-known for her focused determination and whole-hearted dedication to every cause or interest that she became involved in. She also enjoyed a few years as a Mary Kay Cosmetics consultant.
In 1988 Sylvia and Art made Onanole, Manitoba their permanent summer residence and throughout 1990 to 2000 they spent winters in Texas. They enjoyed several return trips to Nova Scotia including a celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary in 1995. From 2000 to 2013 Sylvia was a permanent resident of Victoria, BC, renewing old friendships from her childhood and from her service in the RCAF. She returned to Winnipeg to be closer to family in 2013.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the management and staff of Seine River Retirement Residence, Comfort Keepers (especially Christine, Giovanna and Hennie), Victoria Hospital and Deer Lodge Centre for their conscientious, compassionate care for Sylvia.
Cremation has taken place and interment will be at Onanole Cemetery, alongside her husband Art at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba (cerebralpalsy.mb.ca).

Family and friends may sign a
Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca.

Glen Lawn Funeral Home
204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2020