Sylvia Jean Macintyre

Sylvia Jean Macintyre (née Mitchell)

February 8, 1952 – June 23, 2026

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Sylvia Jean Macintyre, who peacefully passed away on June 23, 2026, at the Langley Hospice after a courageous three-and-a-half-year battle with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).

Sylvia faced her illness with remarkable courage, grace, and unwavering strength. Through every challenge, her faith, kindness, and deep love for her family never wavered.

Born on February 8, 1952, in Bournemouth, England, Sylvia was the beloved daughter of Florence and Thomas Mitchell. She grew up with her brother Tom and sisters, Susan, Sheila, and Sandra. As a young girl, she immigrated to Canada with her family, where they settled in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Sylvia studied languages at the University of British Columbia and the University of Calgary where she completed her Bachelor of Education degree with distinction. She found her calling as a French immersion teacher, a profession she loved deeply. She devoted herself to her students with patience, compassion, and enthusiasm, leaving a lasting impact on countless young lives. One colleague described her as “a good friend and a very dedicated and amazing teacher.”

In 1973, Sylvia married the love of her life, Al. Together they shared fifty-four wonderful years of marriage built on unwavering love, devotion, friendship, and commitment. Their love story was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Together they raised two daughters, Leah and Marie, who were the pride and joy of her life. Becoming “Nana” to her three grandchildren (Chloe, Paisley, and Violet) brought Sylvia immeasurable happiness, and she treasured every moment she spent with them.

Outside of teaching, Sylvia found joy in the simple things in life. She took great pride in keeping a beautiful home and was happiest when everything was clean and in its place. She could often be found alongside Alistair on their farm, tending to the property they built together. She loved gardening, especially her beloved primulas, and found peace in watching things grow. Whether she was caring for her home, her garden, or the people she loved, Sylvia poured her heart into everything she did.

Sylvia will be remembered for her gentle heart, quiet strength, generous spirit, wisdom, and unwavering love for her family. She had a beautiful smile, a warm sense of humour, and a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. Her kindness touched countless lives, and her legacy will continue through the family she loved so deeply and the many students she inspired throughout her career.

Sylvia was predeceased by her parents, Florence and Thomas Mitchell, and her brother, Tom.

She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Al; her daughters, Leah (Andrew) and Marie; her sisters, Susan (Mike), Sheila (Ramon) and Sandra; her cherished granddaughters Chloe, Paisley and Violet; mother in law Connie who is 96 years young), sister in law Sheena (Neal) and many nieces, nephews, dear cousins in Canada and the UK, extended family members, dear friends, former students, and colleagues.

Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Daniel Renouf and the incredible team at the BC Cancer Agency for their compassionate care over the past three and a half years. We are also deeply thankful to the extraordinary physicians, nurses, staff, and volunteers at the Langley Hospice Society. Your kindness, compassion, and dignity provided comfort not only to Sylvia, but to our entire family during the most difficult time of our lives.

A Celebration of Sylvia’s Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sylvia’s memory may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation or the Langley Hospice Society.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.