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LYDIA JOHANNE SYKES
Born: Jul 23, 1937
Date of Passing: Apr 24, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryLYDIA JOHANNE SYKES
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lydia Johanne Sykes, age 88, who left us peacefully on April 24, 2026, at Misericordia Place Personal Care Home in Winnipeg.
Born on July 23, 1937, in Winnipeg, Lydia lived a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a wonderful grandmother and great-grandmother.
Lydia met the love of her life and soulmate, Leslie Sykes, at age 15 and they were married on September 1, 1956. Together in 1960 they started a beautiful family, including four children, Todd (Shauna), Deborah (Bruce), Glen (Angie), and Alison (Chris); her six grandchildren, Blain (Jackie), Jordan (Laura), Ryan (Sarah), Sean (Jessi), Aidan (Jaden), and Liam (Emila); as well as her seven great-grandchildren, Bentley, Owen, Abigail, Jasper, Axl, Samuel, and Hailey.
Lydia was preceded in her death by her beloved husband of 69 years, Leslie, who passed away on May 31, 2025; as well as her brother, Patrick Van der Cammen; her parents, Sophie and Victor Van der Cammen; and her grandmother, Mary Pakulah.
Sweet Lydia will be remembered for her kindness, wonderful sense of humour, politeness, and her caring and giving nature. She was a happy person who was always laughing and smiling.
Family was all important to her and you could feel her love every time she gave you a hug, and that was always. Lydia was an emotional soul and even with her advanced Alzheimer’s she would tear up when you gave her a hug.
Mom had many interests including gardening and writing - she wrote children’s stories about her adventures with her grandchildren. She enjoyed the arts, musicals, plays, concerts, movies, and theatre. Lydia loved to travel and would write detailed notes all about their trips all over the world. She liked to look snappy when going out in her little red leather jacket and matching purse.
Lydia was passionate about learning and after the children grew up, she furthered her education at the University of Winnipeg and proudly graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in 1983.
Lydia cared and looked after everyone from her granny to her great-grandchildren.
Lydia and Leslie were avid gardeners, spending time in their beautiful Wolseley river yard. They had fun and enjoyed each other’s company no matter what they were doing. Summers were spent at the family cabin at Bird Lake where lifelong memories were made.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Misericordia Place for their dedicated and compassionate support. A special thank you to Marc Asselin, her rehab assistant; her massage therapists, Maria Lamuro, Angela, and Ila; and companion visitors, Donna Joy and Diane Lewis. You all made a significant difference in improving Lydia’s quality of life.
A private gathering was held for the immediate family .
Lydia was the heart and soul of our family and we will treasure her love and the wonderful memories she gave us.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Misericordia Health Centre Foundation.
The family requests that friends visit the tribute wall at www.bardal.ca where condolences, photos, and stories may be placed for all to see.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 27, 2026
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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Around the time Todd Sykes and I became friends in Kindergarten, my Mum (Win Keep) and his Mom, Lydia, became friends as well. Although there was a great age difference between our mothers, both were very sweet, friendly, family oriented women and they just hit it off. Lydia lived on Wolseley and would walk up our street on Craig to go to the store or bus or whatever. She would often stop to chat and say hello to my mum who was usually in the garden. That later developed to tea at each other’s homes. Mrs. Sykes was a wonderful woman - always so kind and friendly to all the neighbourhood children. I adored her and Todd’s dad, Les. She always had a smile on her face and the cutest giggle. My heart goes out to Todd (Shauna), Deb, Glen and Ali and all the extended family with much love and deepest condolences. - Posted by: Liz (Elizabeth Keep) & Rob Duerksen (Friend) on: Jun 28, 2026
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Our lovely Mom was amazing. She loved our Dad dearly and made sure he was cared for in every way. They were true soul mates and enjoyed each other's company immensely. Although Mom loved life fully, her main priority was keeping her family healthy and happy. She was a nurturing, loving mother and provided wonderful guidance and support to us all, Her grandchildren adored her as she made every visit and outing extra special. Family events and holidays were also very important to Mom and we all looked forward to attending these celebrations. Mom loved summers at Bird Lake - reading on the dock, boat rides, cribbage in the gazebo, sunsets, Northern Lights. She loved family road trips and Hawaii. She was the heart and sole of our family. Love you forever and always. - Posted by: Deborah Cielen (daughter) on: Jun 27, 2026