My favorite memories are of joining the McIntosh clan for Christmas, each year for many years, and singing carols with Sylvia at the piano. She was always so warm and inclusive - there were new people to meet every year. But my history with Sylvia goes all the way back to when I was just 6 or 7, and my sister and I stayed with Sylvia and John while my parents took a weekend off. Much later, when I was in college, I would babysit her kids 😊.

When we moved into our new home, Sylvia and her two children at the time were the first in the neighborhood to come over and introduce themselves.  As time went on, the kids were in school together and we started a brownie troop, with 22 girls.  The mother's got together and wanted the girls to be in one group so they would get to know each other, so the mother's split the duties, with 5 mothers taking the lead.  I was in charge of crafts, Sylvia volunteered her home, and read a chapter in a traditional English storybook, and every child loved it!  Sylvia did the different voices for the characters and all 22 girls were so focused on the story, you could hear a pin drop!  Sylvia had the ability to make all the girls feel loved and a part of something bigger than themselves.  Another event that impacted so many was when a friend had a serious accident.  Sylvia, Chuiying, Pam and I went to visit her weekly for a year while she was in the hospital.  After that, I went weekly after our friend was home to help, while Sylvia watched the friend's daughter and mine after school.  She helped in any way she could. Sylvia belonged to a bridge group, and they needed a substitute.  She gave me a one week crash course to learn and I played with that group for 40 years.  There are so many memories, joys and sorrows shared in our 50-year friendship.  Sylvia and John made such a difference in so many lives and made a home wherever they went.

Backyard by the river

Our row boat

Christening — with Sylvia and Jocelyn Grutzner

Duncan's Christening — with Heather McIntosh Cassano and Duncan McIntosh

John and Sylvia in their backyard pool with Heather looking on

A while after the wedding — with Sylvia and Pat

I was sad to learn about the passing of Sylvia. I considered her an old and dear friend. The wedding date was mentioned in the announcement, and I certainly remember that.

I first met Sylvia in 1964 when I went to New York after graduating from college. I knew no one in NY so I answered an ad looking for roommate. That is when I met John and Paul. The adventure began.

Often Sylvia would travel from Montreal to visit John. When they decided to get married, we had a big party the night before. The next thing I was awoken by John and told I was the only one he could wake up. They needed me to be the witness at their wedding.

We took the subway downtown to the courthouse. If you watch the performance of civil marriages in NY, you will notice it is like an assembly line. The room is filled with couples getting married. They are called up one by one. The judge reads a statement, takes the vows and the couple is married in a couple of minutes. Not with John. When their name was called John jumps up and opens a small suitcase containing a tape recorder. He searched for an outlet, plugged it in, hooked up a mike and placed it in front of a stunned judge. Later we had another party where John, numerous times, played the tape of the wedding vows.

After the ceremony I thought it was time to go home and go back to bed. No such luck. Sylvia and John had a favorite Indian restaurant, and we went there for a very spicy wedding dinner.

Although I only saw John and Sylvia a few time safter NY, I still considered them dear and great friends. For many years Sylvia and I swapped Christmas cards. They will both be missed.

The photo was taken a while after the wedding.

Patrick Shima

To you my lady. There's so much I would love to say but the one memory that stayed with me was the first day I walked in through the red door. I was greeted with your warm smile and big blue eyes. I knew instantly this was where I was meant to be.  Will be forever grateful to you💜💜

My condolences Moira Heather Aimee Duncan & Gilan

Sylvia was always called Aunt Sylvia to us. She was one of the most kind, loving souls, I have ever met and she made everyone feel special. Even as young adults, we would stop by her house on Spruce Street when we were in the area and she would always put a pot of tea on and bring out the shortbread cookies or some other yummy treat. Some of my favorite memories came from spending the holidays together. Christmas was usually spent with the McIntosh family. Sylvia always was so welcoming that even our extended family was invited to join in the festivities. All who knew Sylvia, loved her. I remember how she would play Christmas songs on one of her pianos and we would all gather around and sing. It made Christmas feel so special. We all love Sylvia dearly. At least now she is dancing and singing once again in heaven with her beloved John. A new guardian angel in heaven, who will no doubt shower her family and friends with much love from above. We will miss you, beautiful Sylvia <3.
Love ya always! Hattie 

We met John and Sylvia, in 1965. John worked at the same company as my husband did. We invited them over for dinner and have been friends ever since. Over the years we celebrated major events together and saw our children grow up. 

Sylvia was an amazing woman. I admired her ability to make lasting friends. She was feisty, strong and compassionate with a big heart. I am so grateful that we met and became lifelong friends.

We love and miss you Sylvia, say hi to John for us. Your Marquarite. 

When we think of our dear Sylvia, the word that keeps coming to mind is MAGICAL.  Sylvia, we know you are continuing to exude pure joy on your journey, as always.  You are a radiant spirit.  We Love you forever.

~Pat, Claire, and Hilary

Spring Musicale — with Sylvia, Patricia Marks and Claire Denman

 I met Mrs. Sylvia a couple of years ago. I was so happy to meet her and she was so friendly and happy to met me as well as Moira had talked about me to her because I am her STC and she felt as though she already knew me. I was happy that she was my friend, and it was like we had known each other for years. I will always remember her beautiful smile and that beautiful ascent. I called her my mom because I no longer have mine. R.I.P MOM may GOD be with your family.

I met Sylvia at the post office possibly in 2011, or 2012. We were both waiting in line, it must have been before Christmas because we were both going to send packets "home": Australia and Spain, respectively. We started talking. You all know how she was. As soon as I found out she was a piano teacher, I took her card. It was serendipity, really: At the the time, I was looking for a piano teacher for my two boys, but I never thought I was going to find the best one waiting in line at the post office. There is always a silver lining, isn´t that how the saying goes?

Sylvia became a good friend right away. She was always so sweet, she always remembered to ask about everyone, she always remembered everyone´s names. It was just amazing. I loved to hear her teach the boys with her lovely Australian accent. We talked so much. She had great stories to tell. My favorite lines that I took from her,  and  that I have incorporated to my vocabulary in English are: "you are going to knock their socks off" when referring at how surprised everyone will be with  a good performance; and my most favorite one, that I have included in the syllabus for my high-school students: "make sure your paper does not look like you wrapped your sandwich in it". Oh, my boys loved to hear this one from her, it made them giggle. And that is how she was: so sweet and caring that even when she was telling you off, you could not help but love her even more for making you smile.

We were all very sad to hear the news of her passing. I am sure she has entered Heaven with her shoes on, and she has been given the red carpet access. She was such a nice human being I cannot imagine it being otherwise. You all must be devastated with her loss, but you are so lucky to have grown up with her. We thank you for having shared her love with us, the families of her students. I feel blessed to have met her. We will never forget her.  

Sylvia was my oldest friend. I treasure the times we had at school and later in life. Sylvia had such a wonderful pleasant nature which was uplifting whenever I talked to her. I will miss her very much. Margaret Mangan

TIk was [ hoe je je voelde ] toen ik het nieuws van Sylvia's overlijden hoorde. hi

Heather, Mike, Chris, Cierra, Caden, Cidney, Cameron, the entire McIntosh family, and all of her loved ones, I am genuinely saddened to hear about Sylvia's passing. My heart goes out to all of you during this challenging time.

Sylvia was an extraordinary woman, and I feel privileged to have known her as a dedicated and loving grandmother. As the Cassano family's former nanny, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand Sylvia's incredible dedication, love, humor, and passion. Her warmth and genuine nature always shone through, creating an immensely welcoming atmosphere.

One of the fondest memories I have of Sylvia is during her piano lessons with each of her grandchildren. She imparted the gift of music and instilled in them a sense of discipline, patience, and love for the arts. Her encouragement and positive spirit made each piano lesson a memorable and enjoyable experience for her students, and it was evident how much she cherished those moments.

Sylvia's welcoming smile and gracious demeanor were a testament to her kind soul. It was a true pleasure to be in her presence, and I am grateful for the warmth and kindness she extended to me. Her impact on the lives of those around her, especially her grandchildren, is immeasurable.

During this challenging time, I hope that the many wonderful memories of Sylvia bring her loved ones comfort and solace. She will be remembered for her musical and teaching talents and the love, laughter, and inspiration she shared with everyone fortunate to know her.

Please accept my deepest condolences. May Sylvia's spirit continue to shine bright in the hearts of those who loved her.

With sympathy,

Anna Lotze