‘Mom, as our hearts ache, we take comfort knowing your heart has reunited with your true love, our Dad’ Sylvia passed away February 8, 2014. Sylvia was born April 24, 1945 to Gertrude Rostie and George Ronmark in Fort Frances, ON. Sylvia lived in Fort Frances in her younger years and spoke of working hard and having fun with her family and friends.
Sylvia met the love of her life Larry Stefanick and they were united in marriage January 15, 1966. Together they raised Dale, Patricia and Kimberly. Larry worked in road construction and Sylvia was happy to move with Larry while he worked in Dryden, Atikokan and Fort Frances. She also joined him some summers to work in Nolalu and Savant Lake, where she worked as a cook in the kitchen and a fl ag person on the road. In each of the communities they lived, Sylvia and Larry made lifelong friends and she often spoke of the many memories of good times. Larry gave Sylvia the nickname ‘Twiggy’ early on and it stayed throughout all their years together.
Sylvia took great pride in her role as wife and mother. Sylvia had a talent for creating a welcoming home and everyone who visited enjoyed wonderful meals of her classic recipes, shared laughs, played cards, had some drinks and just great company. This remained throughout Sylvia’s life and family and friends were her priorities. No one ever left her house without a home cooked package, be it perogies, meatpies, chicken, buns, cookies, you name it she wanted you to have it and enjoy it.
When Sylvia and Larry were graced with grandchildren, Sylvia became Nana. Nana was a constant for her grandchildren, Nicholas, Katelyn, Tanner and Whitney, she was always there, always special, putting their needs fi rst above anything else.
Sylvia and Larry had a cabin on Big Sawbill Lake for many years and in the late 90’s they fixed it up to become a beautiful place for all to visit and have a good time. Sylvia and Larry were proud of their cabin and enjoyed their time there. In 2007, Sylvia suffered a great loss in Larry’s passing.
Sylvia was a strong woman, remained true to the family values she and Larry built by being there for her children and grandchildren. Sylvia kept in touch with her closest friends and they could always expect a phone call to see how they were doing. She enjoyed her travels with Patty and visits with special friends Ray and Linda Skirten, The Kilby’s at the cabin, the Clark’s next door, neice Carol stopping by, just to name a few. Sylvia felt most at peace spending summers at the cabin as she felt closest to Larry there.
Sylvia will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Patricia Stefanick, grandson Nicholas Stefanick (Jessica), great granddaughter Abigail and granddaughter Katelyn Svoboda, daughter Kimberly and son-in-law Jason Williamson, grandson Tanner and granddaughter Whitney, brother Hilding Ronmark (Lucy), brother Gary Ronmark (Carmella), and special nieces and nephews Carol Ronmark (Zeke), Troy Ronmark (LeeAnne), Terry Halldorson (Janet), Len Halldorson (Cathy), Lue Shennan (Pete).
Sylvia is predeceased by her son Dale, sisters Margaret, Helen, Doreen and brother Alfred.
A celebration of Sylvia’s life for family and friends will take place at Northridge Funeral Home Friday February 14 at 2 pm.