Sylvia Dyck

Sylvia Ruth Dyck of Lethbridge, Alberta passed away peacefully, with loved ones at her side, on April 3, 2025, at the age of 81.

Sylvia was born in Winkler, Manitoba on June 13, 1943, to Isaac and Anne Dyck, the eldest of five siblings. Sylvia studied voice at Northwestern University before joining the choir of CBC’s Hymn Sing in Winnipeg. Her beautiful voice and performance were recorded and can be viewed here.

Sylvia performed on Hymn Sing for 10 years before relocating to Calgary to be closer to her sister, Elvina (deceased) and nieces Karina and Waleska. She then took a position as a voice instructor at the University of Lethbridge, which she held until she retired. She will be remembered by her students for her gentle mentorship and care.

Sylvia was an avid traveler whose professional and personal adventures took her around the world, including to Germany, Russia, Honduras, Indonesia, Singapore, Zimbabwe, and Cuba. She was fiercely independent and never married. She took pleasure in sunny days, the fresh tomatoes she grew on her balcony every summer, classical piano music, and keeping her family members connected.

While she was in palliative care, Sylvia received support and friendship from two amazing volunteers, Sue Fedoruk and Shaunagh McLeod. Sue and Shaunagh worked tirelessly to ensure that Sylvia was comfortable and cared for, and to provide out-of-town family with important updates and reassurance. We are so grateful to Sue and Shaunagh for their thoughtfulness and dedication in supporting Sylvia and us through her final days.

Sylvia is survived by her sister Laurelly, and her brothers Leslie and Glenn; Sylvia was also a devoted aunt to Karina and Waleska, Tamara, Carlin, Kirsten, David, Mackenzie, Jesse, Sheri, and Tyler. She will be greatly missed.

In remembrance of Sylvia’s life, and in gratitude to the incredible staff and volunteers who cared for Sylvia in her final days, we ask that any donations be made to St. Michael’s Health Centre.