Obituary of Sylvia Charlotte Erna Walsh

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Sylvia Charlotte Erna Walsh (nee Melchior) who passed away at home on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother (Omi), she leaves behind to grieve her loss and celebrate her life, her son Lutz (Mireille), four grandchildren, Jennifer; Sarah, Emily and Ben, two great-grandchildren, Max and Luke, two sisters in Germany, llona and Susi. She was predeceased by her husband Don, daughter Lorraine and son-in-law Glenn.
 

Sylvia was born in pre-war Berlin, Germany. She was abandoned by her mother at a young age perhaps to protect her from her mother's Jewish heritage. She was raised by her loving paternal grandmother and together they suffered and survived the relentless bombing of their inner-city neighbourhood. lt was these early war experiences that molded her spirit of resilience and survival. Opportunities were few for one from the poor working class in postwar Berlin. So with child (Lutz) she immigrated to a new life in Canada. Arriving at Pier 21 with a few dollars in her pocket, she made her way to Toronto where she parlayed her physical beauty into modelling in the Toronto Garment District. After the birth of her daughter (Lorraine) as a single mother, she took on a second job at the Royal York Hotel where she met the love of her life Don Walsh, a professional football player. They moved with the children to Tucson, Arizona where Don was studying architecture in the off season. Sylvia loved Arizona and quickly found work in the movie and television industry working with the legends of Hollywood.
 

After marriage, they made Regina their family home. lt was here that Sylvia began the next important chapter in her life. She entered university as an adult to obtain an education no one in her family could have dreamt about. She earned a degree in Psychology during the turbulent sixties period of radical transformation on the Regina campus of the University of Saskatchewan. Sylvia stayed on to achieve her Masters' degree mentored by some of the great minds of academia. She became involved in program development with the newly formed Saskatchewan lndian Federated College (SIFC) headed by her good friend lda Wasacase. There she became a tireless advocate for lndigenous rights. Sylvia completed a PhD in higher education to give her the tools and credentials to really make a difference in First Nations Governance. She and Don moved to Vancouver where she helped found the lnstitute of lndigenous Government (llG) and developed curriculums and made lifelong friends.
 

After Don and Lorraine’s passing, she retired but stayed active teaching and doing consulting work. Sylvia spent her last years in Regina, close to her son and family for their support.
 

Sylvia was the matriarch of the family. Her guidance and example formed our family traditions, especially Christmas. Sylvia was a great cook as all who've had the pleasure of dining at her table can attest. Her recipes are perhaps some of the greatest treasures she leaves behind. Generous to a fault and considered others happiness first. She was always a champion of the underdog but applauded the winner.
 

Sylvia's pride and joy were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always spoke with pride about their accomplishments.

A family memorial service will be held at Riverside Memorial Park Chapel in Regina prior to interment on Friday, December 27, 2024.

"Auf Wiedersehen" - Until we meet again.