Remembering Sylvia Dorothy Roberts (nee Riches)

July 15, 1933-January 9, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sylvia Dorothy Roberts, age 92, on January 9, 2026 in hospital after a brief illness. She was the loving wife to her predeceased husband of almost 70 years, Alfred Charles Roberts.

She was predeceased by her father, Charles Riches; her mother, Jessie Dorothy Riches; and her beloved sister and lifelong best friend, Joan Evelyn Morgan. Sylvia is survived by her two sons, Paul (Cecilia Marie) and Alan (Paula); her three daughters, Julie (Lou), Tracey (Randy) and Debbie (Tom); Nana to her eleven grandchildren, Jennifer, Christopher, Tyler, Shannon, Derek, Alex, Stephen, Erin, Ryan, Evan and Dylan; and her five great-grandchildren, Rhys, Sophie, Abigail, Scarlett and Casey, each held close in her heart.

Born in St. Marylebone, England, Sylvia crossed the ocean in 1966, settling first in western Canada and later in the Greater Toronto Area in 1971. Wherever she lived, Sylvia created a home filled with warmth, care, and belonging. Sylvia shared many joyful years travelling the world with Alfred, collecting memories that became part of the fabric of her life.

Kindness was the thread that ran through Sylvia’s life. Above all else, her family was her greatest joy and her constant purpose. Sylvia was the heart of her family—steady, nurturing, and always present—bringing comfort, connection, and calm simply by being herself. Sylvia loved to laugh, often at her own expense, and her easy humour brought lightness and ease to those around her. She will be forever remembered for her gentle spirit, radiant smile, unmistakable British accent, and quiet elegance. Her legacy is not measured in years, but in love given freely, kindness shown without question, and a family forever shaped by her presence.

A private celebration of life to honour Sylvia will be held following cremation at Carson Funeral Homes, Orillia, Ontario.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Grieve and the compassionate staff on the fourth floor at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital for their exceptional care, kindness, and support. Their professionalism and humanity brought comfort and dignity to Sylvia, and reassurance to her family during a difficult time.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations to the OSMH Foundation, https://osmhfoundation.ca/donate would be appreciated, in gratitude for the loving and dedicated care provided to both Sylvia and Alfred.