JAGGERS, Sylvia

December 27, 1942 — October 11, 2024

Sylvia Mae Jaggers (81) of West Kelowna, BC, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024, after two days of family by her side. It was a beautiful fall day, Sylvia’s favourite time of year.

Sylvia was born on December 27, 1942, to John and Muriel Wilgenhof in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The family moved to Victoria, BC, where she and her younger brother Terrence had an idyllic childhood. Sylvia started hairdressing school after graduating high school. She met her husband-to-be David “Dave” Jaggers in July 1960 at the age of 17 in Victoria, capturing his heart as she playfully chatted with him while leaning into his car door. Despite being a year her junior, Sylvia fell in love with Dave and on November 10, 1962, they were married in Esquimalt, BC, on the HMCS Naden (a Canadian Forces base). They went on to have four children: Sherrie, Raymond, Charlene, and Terrence “Terry”.

In the early years of their marriage, Dave was abroad with the Royal Canadian Navy and Sylvia raised their young family in Victoria. They moved to Prince George, BC in 1973, and it was a wonderful place to raise their family, enjoying snowmobiling, hockey, ice skating, camping, and fishing. Dave and Sylvia shared a love for the outdoors and particularly the ocean. Although they moved inland, Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and road trips to Disneyland were favourite destinations. Children and grandchildren were brought along on their trips to create cherished memories and share in their love of the ocean. They eventually moved to Kelowna, BC, where they enjoyed grandchildren nearby and Dave’s retirement. Dave and Sylvia shared 64 years of their lives together, their love and commitment to each other always strong and steady. They moved through life together, sharing life’s joys and sorrows, and have been a shining example to others of a lasting marriage with an unwavering bond.

Sylvia worked briefly as a hairdresser, to which she was well suited, given her striking beauty complemented by manicured hair and makeup – as well as her gift for the gab. Her true purpose and role in life was as a caring and doting wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Sylvia made time for everyone, and she was particularly welcoming to new family members, ensuring there was a place for everyone at the Jagger’s table. Sylvia knew everyone’s favourite treat, and if she knew you were visiting she would have your freshly-baked goodie made special. It was through these acts she demonstrated her care for others. Sylvia took immense pride in her home and was at her best when she was hosting, whether it was a late night of cards with friends in her early years or cooking turkey dinner for the whole family (with what seemed like little effort).

Sylvia and Dave’s grandchildren, all granddaughters, were fortunate to grow up very close by, which resulted in a particularly unique and close relationship with each one of them. Sylvia cherished the years ‘the girls’ spent growing up in her home, with sleepovers on the deck and midnight swims.

Her canine companions were dear to her, particularly her Shelties Lucky, Duncan, Noah, Cami, and Lucas.

Sylvia was strong-willed and stubborn at times, but she had a huge heart and loved to laugh. Her sense of humour was so much fun, she would often laugh so hard she couldn’t speak and was known for her fish-face. She had a knack for turning posed family pictures into genuine moments with laughter by doing something unexpected – looking fabulous in both versions. She had an excellent memory and could remember the smallest of details from the past, making her stories and reminiscence a pleasure. Sylvia was strong and stoic and did not like others to make a fuss over her.

Family who went before her:
Sylvia was predeceased by her parents, John & Muriel Wilgenhof, and her niece Heather, never far from her thoughts.

Family she left behind:
Sylvia is survived by her loving husband, Dave; her brother, Terry (Lynn); her children: Sherrie, Raymond (Pauline), Charlene (Tina), and Terry (Tracy); her grandchildren: Ashley (Barry), Amanda (Adam), Sarah (Randy), Chantelle (Jeromi), Delanie (Jesse), Kendra (Vince), Teisha (Chris), and Tyson; her great-grandchildren: Carter, Alice, Liam, Brandon, Jesse, Erick, James, Elijah, Evelyn, and Ali; and many nieces and nephews.

A special thank-you to all staff at Brookhaven Long Term Care Home. Sylvia was very well cared for during her time there. She felt at ease and was treated with utmost dignity and compassion as her illness progressed.

In honour of Sylvia’s wishes there will be no service nor flowers, she will continue to be remembered lovingly as a wonderful wife to Dave and matriarch of the family. Sylvia gave her heart to those she loved, and we will carry a piece of her always.

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