Sylvia May McIvor

Our Mother, Sylvia, was loved by so many and in return, she gave her love back. Our mother was also known as “Kwehdanchee” and “Sophie” to the many people who knew her well.  Mom was born on June 12, 1955 to our grandparents Joseph (JoJo) Rheault and Sylvia Desmarias in Gladstone Manitoba. She was sixty six years in age and lived her life to the fullest. During her childhood years living with her parents, she grew up with her siblings, Frank, Gordon, Charlie, Glen, Rosalina, Irene, Michael, Priscilla and Twila in Amaranth, Manitoba where her roots are strong.

 In her teenage years, she met the love of her life, Michael James McIvor and married our dad on September 2, 1972. Together they raised three sons, Frank James, Jesse James and Billy Jo in their home. Tragically, dad entered his journey to the spirit world on August 28, 1991 and our lives changed. Sophie decided to move our family to Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation reserve where she created our new life together as a single parent.  Mom found employment through the local stores on the reserve and later became a home maker for the people. Kwehdanchee finished her grade twelve and earned certification for an educational assistant through Red River College. She worked at the Isaac Beaulieu Memorial School sometime after 2005 until around 2010.

 We were very proud of her accomplishments as she was proud of us boys to have given her grandchildren whom she all cherished and loved unconditionally. Sylvia fostered many children but lastly, Shaylin and Dianne. We will now take care of them and continue to love them for her. We thank her for the life she has given to all of us. Our mom was a very humble person that she stayed home most of the time and only went out when she needed to take care of business even before the pandemic had begun.  Mom was also very assertive to certain people especially to the Big Ridge staff and we are sure they will miss her loyal business with them. Sophie was kind, patient and gentle as she lived her life day by day without any worries. She was a very resilient and reserved type of person right up until her passing.

She privately fought hard the battle of cervical cancer along with diabetes at home and then later decided to go to the hospital. Our lives changed forever, it is with great and deep sorrow to announce that our loving Mother, Sylvia May McIvor, entered her journey into the spirit world peacefully at Portage District General Hospital on Friday, December 17, 2021. We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for doing their best by providing her the most comfortable care possible. We love you Mom, Mother in law, Grandma, Koko, Great grandma, Sister, Aunt and Friend. We will continue to cherish the teachings you have left with us and the memories you have created with us, humbly, as our knowledge keeper. Forever missed and never forgotten, rest in paradise. It has been extremely difficult to watch you suffer your fight and let you go. We will take comfort knowing that you are no longer in pain and that your work here is done. Fly high and be with loved ones that have passed on before you. Amen <3

Forever yours,

Dubby, Pooper, and Bill

In loving Memory of Sylvia May McIvor nee Desmarais

Oshawshko-Pinehsiikwe (Blue Thunder Bird Woman)

Beloved Mother, Mother in Law, Grandmother, Koko, Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend.

Born June 12, 1955 in Gladstone, Manitoba.

Entered her Spiritual Journey on December 17, 2021 at the Portage General Hospital.

Funeral Service on Wednesday December 29, 2021 at 2pm  at the Amaranth Hall.

Mom wanted to be cremated and her wish will be fulfilled.

We will bury mom’s ashes at a later date to be announced.

Active Pallbearers:

Ashley Desmarais            Jeremy Desmarais

Joey Smith                  Ronald Desmarais

Desmond Mousseau          Jared Vivier

All her Sons, Grandchildren and Great grandchildren are considered Honorary Pallbearers

Sophie leaves to mourn her passing with surviving family

Children; Frank James (Barbara), Jesse James (Phoebe), Billy Jo, Shaylin, Dianne Lisa Vayta

Siblings; Angela, Frank (Barbie), Gordon (Maggie), Charlie, Glen (Darlene), Rosalina (Kenneth), Irene, Michael, Priscilla (Leo), and Twila (Brian) ; Special cousin; Elaine; Nieces and Nephews; Kevin ( Nicole), Jeremy (Sunnie), Ashley (Janie), Fran (Quinn), Archie(Sheila), JoeJoe, Mickey (Sheryl), Leona, Chasity, Amanda, Vicky, Lawrence, Jonathon, Glen Jr., Ronald, Curtis, Michael Jr., Melinda, Michelle, Mathew, Marvin, Malina, Christopher (Lillian), Martine, Steven, John, Robert, Crystal, Patsey, Fiona (Melvin), Camilla (Dan), William, Ally, Jordan, Jennifer and Darren; Godchildren; Joey Smith, Twins Jennifer and Jennette; Grandchildren; Taytem, Tammy, Jaysey, Jericho, Sharon (Jared), Trinity, Tanisha, Kevin, Shaylin, Jessica Jaimie Vayta, Claire Rayna May, Caitlyn, Thaddeus, Saydea, Shaylin, Dianne,Thiago, Kris, Jim, Ashtyn, Anthony, Antoinette, Aislyn, Stephen (Brittany),  Tyrone, Chasney (Darcy), Malea, Reese, Kevin. Darnell, Jamie Jr., Damery, Landon, Xiomara, Urijah, Jesias, Emery, Jayden, Cassius, Sunshine, Charlia, Taylor, Joerain, Nellie, Emmett, Garrette, Mac, Charleigh, Enzo, Alexander, Gabriella, Sherisse, Clare, Joe, Shauntelle, Kane, McKayla, Bobby Drace, Alais, Crystashae, Arainna and Robert Jr.; Great Grandchildren; Thelonius, Vince Jr., Mason, Kristina, Jaselyn, Andra, Trevor Jr., Justice Jr., Enzo,Elvira, Tevaeh, Tatelyn, Zayde, Alton, Zaydon, Creighlyn and Josephine

Predeceased by her husband Jimmy McIvor, Parents; JoJo and Sylvia Desmarais, Grandparents; Adeline and William, Uncle; John Laquette, Brother in law; Allan Levasseur; Nieces and Nephew; Jessica, Jamie, Vanessa and Bobby Jo; Grandchildren; Alyssa, Tayio, Sarah, Myson and Tevin

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