Audrey SILVIUS

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SILVIUS: Peacefully, on Saturday, October 15, 2016, Audrey Ellen Silvius passed away in Brandon at the age of 92 years. Born in Elgin, Manitoba to Percy and Pearl Honeyman, Audrey spent her childhood in Fairfax on the family farm. She trained as a nurse at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg and then later as a psychiatric nurse at Brandon Mental Hospital. In 1950, Audrey married Merritt Silvius and together they built their home on the North Hill and raised their family of four children. Audrey's life was one of service - as a nurse, mother and community activist. Her nursing career included working at the Brandon Mental Hospital, Brandon General Hospital, Fairview Home and as a Public Health Nurse. She, along with other women in Brandon, was instrumental in reaching out to the native community and worked to establish The Brandon Native & Metis Friendship Centre in the early 1960s. Audrey's commitment to social justice led to the establishment of The Marquis Project and Tools for Peace in Brandon. She also served as a founding member of Westman Communications. Audrey's health forced her to give up her activism in later years although she kept ahead of current affairs. Audrey will be lovingly remembered by her sons Dave (Deb) and Kay; daughters Lorna (Glenn) and Gail; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister Isabel and brother Norman. She was predeceased by her husband Merritt in 1978, and her sisters Georgina and Marian. A Celebration of Audrey's Life took place at Memories Chapel on Friday, October 21st, 2016. Donations in memory of Audrey may be made to Doctors Without Borders, 402-720 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2T9.Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 22, 2016