Obituary of Sylvia Anne (Poirier) Chapman

Sylvia Anne (Poirier) Chapman Pictou Syl and Bill are together again. After a lengthy illness, Sylvia died peacefully on July 16th, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. Born in Pictou on August 26, 1946, Sylvia was the third eldest of Benoit and Amelia Poirier’s 17 children. As a young beauty, Sylvia caught the eye of a charming sailor from Newfoundland named Bill Chapman and together they built a life in Pictou, raising three children and enjoying the company of the extended Poirier/Chapman families and many friends. Sylvia’s home was always a hub of activity, a gathering place for family, friends and neighborhood children. Walking through her door usually meant being greeted by the scent of something delicious, such as a pot of turkey soup, her sour cherry pie, or homemade cookies. She was pretty sure she could improve upon any baked goods you could get at a grocery store or a restaurant, and this was never proven wrong. Her strawberry squares were particularly popular. For Sylvia, making and sharing good food was an act of love; she did it often and she did it well. While Bill’s career meant long spells away from his family, Sylvia led the parenting file at home, giving their children just the right mix of freedom and responsibility. She was a tireless supporter of their activities and adventures, providing stability and unconditional love. A consummate homemaker, she also enjoyed gardening and was well known for her beautiful shrubs and flowers. Sylvia loved a good game of cards, a glass of wine and shopping excursions – and was well known for bringing a keen eye and contagious laughter to everything she did. Sylvia took great pleasure in being around children. Her grandchildren and great-granddaughters brought her immense joy. In the latter stages of her dementia, it was the little ones who could still make her smile. Over the years, she babysat kids and later in life she volunteered at Pictou Elementary. Not only did she help the students learn to read and print, but she baked cookies, provided mittens and boots, and hugs for those in need. Sylvia often said working with young students benefited her as much, if not more, than it did them. In addition to her husband and parents, Sylvia was predeceased by brothers, Joey and Marcel. She is survived by her daughters, Lisa (Tony), Brule, and Dawn (Graham), Westville; son, Michael, Pictou; grandchildren, Jonathan (Claire), Spencer, Maddie, Aidan, Anthony (Emmaline), Brittany and Cameron; great-grandchildren, Juniper, Sylvie and Dove; 6 brothers (Keith, Maurice, Andrew, Aurelle, Camille and Paul); and 10 sisters (Beverly, Marcia, Alicia, Nona, Tina, Francine, Cindy, Nova, Colette, and Maria); her many beloved brothers and sisters-in-law, many, many sweet nieces and nephews, and extended families. Visitation will be at the McLaren Funeral Home in Pictou on Thursday, July 21st from 5:30-8:30 pm. Funeral Mass will be in Stella Maris Church, Pictou at 11am on Friday, July 22nd, with a reception to follow in the parish hall. Burial will be in Seaview Cemetery at a later date. The family would like to express their gratitude to the exceptional VON caregivers, personal team members, nurses, and the palliative care team who helped us care for mom at home and make her life as comfortable as possible. To honor mom’s love of feeding people, you are encouraged to consider making a donation to your local food bank in her memory, or a charity of your choice. www.mclarenfuneral.ca