It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sylvia Oberfrank at the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice on June 29, 2021, with her son Michael by her side. Sylvia Marie Hélène Oberfrank (née Higgins) was born in Montréal on November 28, 1939. Her early years were spent on a family farm near Stoney Lake in the Kawarthas. After moving to Hamilton, Ontario, Sylvia’s life changed dramatically when she met Adam Oberfrank at a CYO dance. They married on June 27, 1959, and shared 62 years of happiness together, raising a family in Hamilton and Stoney Creek, developing many life- long friendships, enjoying travels, and savouring family time.
Sylvia was a loving wife to Adam Oberfrank. She was the beloved mother of Adam Jr. (Meredith), Michael, and Timothy (Dalia), and the doting grandmother of Jacob and Joshua. Sylvia was the thoughtful sister of Murielle Bowman (David) and Richard Higgins, and kind sister-in-law of Frank and Wilma Oberfrank. She was a caring aunt to many nieces and nephews. Sylvia was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Yvette Higgins; her parents-in-law, Frank and Magdalena Oberfrank; and her siblings Roger Higgins, Diane General, and Monica Gordon. She was a generous and loyal friend to many people, who will miss her gentle smile and encouraging words, as will her family. Many in the community will also remember her as Madame Sylvie Oberfrank, a diligent and caring teacher with the Hamilton school board (most frequently in primary French Immersion). Sylvia was one of the many educators grateful for the mentorship provided by Morgan Kenney. Sylvia’s dedication to the community was also demonstrated by her commitment to the Stoney Creek Optimist Club, where she became the first female member.
Sylvia Oberfrank’s first name appropriately means “spirit of the woods” and she was always very happy in a serene natural setting, whether listening to the call of the loons on Stoney Lake, trying to catch a glimpse of deer in the forest, or enjoying the sight of playful cardinals in a tree. Some of her favourite little things over the years include shrimp in lobster sauce; poutine (a tribute to her heritage); chocolate mint topsie-cones from the Stoney Creek Dairy; Elvis Presley impersonators; Good Friday walks and picnics at Webster Falls; being surrounded by lovely orchids; occasional visits to the casino (for concerts, of course); and Jumble, the mixed-up word game she completed each day. Those who received a card or letter from Sylvia also know that she found pleasure in the lost art of beautiful handwriting.
Throughout her life, Sylvia’s greatest happiness came from the company of friends and family. Amazingly, Sylvia was more concerned about others than herself until her final hours. Our sincere thanks to the health professionals of Juravinski Hospital, her in-home caregivers (especially Clarissa), and the family and friends who supported her with phone calls and meals during these difficult times. Following her wishes, Sylvia has been cremated. Her ashes will be interred at Bayview Cemetery, Burlington, in a private family service. We shall celebrate Sylvia’s life at a later date, when we can safely gather to share memories of Sylvia Oberfrank and the influence she had on so many lives. In lieu of flowers, donations to Juravinski Hospital or the Nature Conservancy of Canada would be appreciated.