Nola June Sylvester (née Smith)
Nola June Sylvester (née Smith) passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, at the Boyne Lodge in Carman, Manitoba, at the age of 78, after a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease.
Nola was born on September 2, 1947, in Carman, Manitoba, and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2015, a journey she faced with quiet strength and grace.
On November 4, 1967, Nola married the love of her life, Darryl Sylvester, in Carman, Manitoba. Together, they built a life rooted in family, community, and hard work. In 1974, Nola and Darryl opened a second Syl’s Drive-Inn in Roblin, Manitoba, before moving back to Carman in 1982 to purchase the original Syl’s.
Nola earned a degree in Physical Education from the University of Manitoba and taught in Winnipeg before later serving as a substitute teacher in Carman. In the early 1990s, she returned to university to become a Senior Resource Coordinator and was hired before the Active Living Centre in Carman was built, an accomplishment she was especially proud to be part of and a lasting contribution to the community she loved.
An active and social person throughout her life, Nola enjoyed 4-H, gardening, golf, curling, bridge, and sports of all kinds. She believed strongly in staying active for life and cherished time spent with friends and family. Nola and Darryl loved wintering in the south and fulfilled a long-held dream together with a bucket-list trip to Australia.
Above all, Nola will be remembered as an incredibly kind and caring woman, whose warmth and generosity touched many lives.
Nola is lovingly survived by her husband Darryl; her children Corby (Jennifer), Ian (Shannon), and Tara (Doug); her grandchildren Ty (Mackenzie), Kaitlyn (Ryan), Matthew, and Ruby; and her great-grandchildren Lennon, Weston, and Wyatt. She is also survived by her brothers Kelvin, Brian and Gary, and was predeceased by her brother Dwight.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Carman Legion on Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nola’s memory to Boyne Lodge Campus Charity or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Boyne Lodge in Carman for their compassionate and exceptional care.
Nola June Sylvester (née Smith) passed away peacefully on December 15, 2025, at the Boyne Lodge in Carman, Manitoba, at the age of 78, after a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease.
Nola was born on September 2, 1947, in Carman, Manitoba, and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2015, a journey she faced with quiet strength and grace.
On November 4, 1967, Nola married the love of her life, Darryl Sylvester, in Carman, Manitoba. Together, they built a life rooted in family, community, and hard work. In 1974, Nola and Darryl opened a second Syl’s Drive-Inn in Roblin, Manitoba, before moving back to Carman in 1982 to purchase the original Syl’s.
Nola earned a degree in Physical Education from the University of Manitoba and taught in Winnipeg before later serving as a substitute teacher in Carman. In the early 1990s, she returned to university to become a Senior Resource Coordinator and was hired before the Active Living Centre in Carman was built, an accomplishment she was especially proud to be part of and a lasting contribution to the community she loved.
An active and social person throughout her life, Nola enjoyed 4-H, gardening, golf, curling, bridge, and sports of all kinds. She believed strongly in staying active for life and cherished time spent with friends and family. Nola and Darryl loved wintering in the south and fulfilled a long-held dream together with a bucket-list trip to Australia.
Above all, Nola will be remembered as an incredibly kind and caring woman, whose warmth and generosity touched many lives.
Nola is lovingly survived by her husband Darryl; her children Corby (Jennifer), Ian (Shannon), and Tara (Doug); her grandchildren Ty (Mackenzie), Kaitlyn (Ryan), Matthew, and Ruby; and her great-grandchildren Lennon, Weston, and Wyatt. She is also survived by her brothers Kelvin, Brian and Gary, and was predeceased by her brother Dwight.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Carman Legion on Saturday, January 17, 2026 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nola’s memory to Boyne Lodge Campus Charity or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Boyne Lodge in Carman for their compassionate and exceptional care.