Sylvia Ruth Mercer (née Mackenzie)

Sylvia passed away in Ottawa just short of her 93rd birthday. Sylvia and her husband Stanley had three sons, Malcolm (Sheryl), Kevin (Debbie) and Brian (Cynthia) and seven grandchildren, Catherine and Caroline, Kari and Brennan, and Caelin, Brandon and Bryson. Sylvia was the daughter of C.J. (Jack) and Geraldine Gallon Mackenzie, and sister of Peter and Eleanor who are survived by their children Janet, John and Mary, and Alison, Mark and Janet. Sylvia was god-mother to Jennifer Chance Laity.

Sylvia grew up in Saskatoon and moved to Ottawa with her family in 1939 when her father was appointed President of the National Research Council. She graduated from Queen's University (Political Science and Philosophy) in 1950, and studied at St. Andrews University in Scotland where she met her future husband, Stanley, who had recently graduated with a Medical degree from Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland. After marrying in 1953, they lived briefly in Saskatoon and Toronto before moving to Ottawa, in 1957, where they lived their lives and raised their family. Before marriage and children, Sylvia worked on economic research for Central Mortgage and Housing. supported Stanley's growing practice in the early years, and provided needed support during design and building of the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. She served on and chaired the boards of the Bronson Home and the Victorian Order of Nurses Ottawa-Carleton and Ontario, and also served the VON nationally. Sylvia is remembered by all who knew her as a kind, intelligent and thoughtful person. She was grateful for her good fortunes. She was endlessly curious about friends, politics, golf and even the weather. She was an unwavering supporter of her family and many friends. She lived a happy and fulfilling life.

Two years since her passing, we continue to celebrate her life and appreciate the time we have had with her. A memorial service will be at Beechwood Cemetery (280 Beechwood Ave., Vanier, ON K1L 8A6) on Saturday April 30, 2022, at 1:00 pm. The ceremony will be held in the large Sacred Space to allow for social distancing. While we would love to see family and friends, we recognize that it may not be practical for many to travel or attend.