Obituary of Sylvia Oakley

Oakley, Sylvia Karen (Messinger) - passed away peacefully Monday, May 20th, 2024 with Chris, her husband of 53 years, by her side.

Born in Annapolis Royal, during a snowstorm, November 14, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Charles L. Messinger and Freda M. (Gibson) and grew up in the Bridgetown area and later in West Dalhousie.

Sylvia graduated as a CNA at Camp Hill Hospital. She later worked at the Grace Maternity Hospital/IWK Health Centre as a CNA on the postpartum unit then as a Ward Clerk on a variety of units/clinics. Years later, previous patients would recognize her in public and tell her how wonderfully she had cared for them. 

In the beginning of their marriage and after retirement, Sylvia and Chris enjoyed living in many places across Canada and having great adventures including: traveling in the USA, hiking in the Rocky Mountains, spending one summer on a ranch in Alberta, staying at Hank Snow’s place in Nashville and taking a Dill giant pumpkin to Hank Snow’s for Thanksgiving. For the last five years, Chris spent every day at Sylvia’s side helping to support her in her care as well as entertaining her and others.

Sylvia taught her children many things over her lifetime including: kindness and compassion towards others, swimming, knitting, cooking and baking. Her birthday cake recipe is a family favourite! Sylvia’s after school oatmeal chocolate chip cookies will continue to be made for her grandsons. Some of her favourite sayings were "children are a gift" and “the alternative could be worse!” Family, and time visiting relatives and friends was important to Sylvia. 

Sylvia was predeceased by her parents; brothers Chuck, Myers and Bert. 

She is survived by her husband, Chris Oakley, daughter Laura (Dean Webb), Elmsdale, NS; son Blake (Jasmine) and grandchildren Elijah and Riley, Cochrane AB. Sisters: Julia (Leonard) Cottreau, Holly (Pat) Surette and brother Roger (Geri) Messinger. Along with many nieces and nephews who Sylvia enjoyed watching grow, including some having their own families. 

The family thanks all the caring and compassionate staff for the wonderful care given to Sylvia. 

A celebration of life gathering, will take place at a later date.

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