February 9, 1943 – January 17, 2025

Surrounded by loved ones, Sylvia Fay Brandrick peacefully slipped away from this life and onto the next on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Atikokan General Hospital at the age of 81.

Sylvia was the youngest of eight children born to Fred and Emily Paterson of Devlin, Ontario. Youngest by seven years, next to her brother Alex, many of her six sisters were grown and married by the time Sylvia came along. She grew up working hard on the family farm with her father and brother. In 1972, she married Henry (Elmer) Brandrick, and together made their home in Atikokan. Although she lived happily in Atikokan for more than 50 years, she enjoyed returning to her roots and delighted in telling others she was “goin’ to the country” for a visit.

“Sylv” was an angel on this earth to all who knew her. Selfless, compassionate, energetic, warm, humorous, and loving are just a few words that begin to describe the person Sylvia was. Her generosity knew no bounds. She was the kind of person who thrived keeping busy, who would drop everything to help someone in need. She could be found cutting grass, babysitting, dog walking, baking, and helping other people care for their homes and children well into her late 70s. The word “no” was not in her vocabulary and she lived to serve others.

Although they never had children of their own, through the 80s and 90s, Sylvia and her husband “Buddy” cared for dozens of Atikokan children. This couple was not your standard “babysitters.” They could often be found with a handful of children in tow, biking around town, going on hikes, canoeing on the Atikokan River, boating and camping trips, snowmobile excursions, visiting historically significant areas, and going on picnics. In her spare time, Sylvia volunteered for decades as a member of the Hope Rebekkah Lodge, the Royal Canadian Legion, and as a Girl Guides Leader. Besides caring for children, Sylvia could be found cleaning in private homes and at TJs Restaurant, and later as the devoted Crossing Guard at St. Pat’s School for over 15 years. In retirement, Sylvia and Elmer loved to travel and shared many adventures of their trips across Canada and the U.S. towing their pop-up camper.

Sylvia was survived by her sisters Sadie and Alice; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors, and close friends; especially Becky (Adam, Aurora, Sequoia, Niall) Hodgson, Lacey (Jeremy) Starr, Kristie Gillies and family, DJ Gillies, Chandra Gillies and Alacia (Aicala) Henderson.

Predeceased by her husband Elmer “Buddy” Brandrick in 2012; her parents Fred and Emily Paterson; and her sisters Dorothy, Edith, Betty, Joyce, and her brother Alex.

A celebration of life is being planned for Friday, August 8, 2025, at the Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, Ontario. More details to come. Sylvia will be laid to rest with the love of her life, Elmer, at a private family burial “in the country” at the Devlin Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Atikokan General Hospital, the Extended Care Wing, and especially Dr. Sara Vanderloo for their compassionate care of Sylvia over the past year. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the PSP Society of Canada (https://www.pspsocietycanada.ca/).

Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.