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Florence 'Sylvia' Jessome

Florence 'Sylvia' Jessome

Born In: Glace Bay

Passed in: Glace Bay
Passed on: May 6th, 2015

It is with broken hearts that we the family of Sylvia Jessome announce her peaceful passing on May 6, 2015, at the Glace Bay Hospital.
Born in Glace Bay, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Jessie (Hiscock) Acker and grew up in busy household with her many siblings.
She would often tell stories of her past that involved her sisters, her friends, caring for a special boy named Billy, drive-in movies, Holy Cross dances and the Silver Rail.
After a brief time living in Ontario, working at Rowntree Chocolate Factory, she returned to her beloved Cape Breton with her family; living in the same home for 44 years. She was a proud homemaker and had the ability to make the little company house a beautiful home full of warmth and love. She loved to garden and took great care to successfully nourish her trees and plants to withstand the cold, salty winds blowing off the water. Sylvia always had an open door and a cup of tea ready for the numerous friends and neighbours who frequented her home.
Children who were raised in her community would tell stories about the treats she would buy on grocery day or her endless supply of hats and mittens ready for them when the weather got cold. She loved her community and was not hesitant to address any concerns with any neighbourhood children — always putting their safety above her comfortability. For almost 20 years she made and distributed hundreds of candy apples for the children who would trick or treat. There were many that she 'parented' that often the family home would have more than one extra chair at the table. She never hesitated to get involved or share her opinion as she cared for others. Sylvia had no idea of the impact she had on the lives of others. Thankfully the notice of her illness gave opportunity for many to share their memories and appreciation with her.
The wall of her hospital room was filled with cards and her window ledge had an ever changing assortment of freshly cut flower arrangements. Sylvia had a keen ability to notice another's pain and quickly go about finding a way to put them at ease. Her door was always open for whoever wanted to come through and no matter who you were you were always welcomed with the same level of compassion and humor.
Sylvia was a member of the CWA, Kinettes, and Y'menettes. She loved craft making and cooking and used her loves to help many organizations with their activities. For years she would co-ordinate a dinner out of her kitchen for the Coal Town Cygnets.
Sylvia married her teenage love, Leo Jessome. His quiet nature and her quick sarcastic wit made a very interesting pair. She relied on his calm disposition to be a balancing factor in her life. In the past, when Sylvia was well, they would love to dance and those who knew them would love to watch.
Sylvia adored her three children and they were her greatest source of pride. Her focus and energy were her family. Her world changed when she became a Nana and she cherished the time she had with her grandchildren. Sylvia was blessed to have a large extended family and many beautiful friendships and she adored her dogs Tia and Toby.
In addition to her parents she was also predeceased by her oldest brother, Ron Hiscock. She is survived by her husband Leo, her children, Trish (George)O’Brien, Middle Sackville, N.S., Danny (Joan Marie) Fort McMurray, Alta., Leo (Pam), Upper Nine Mile River, as well as her grandchildren, Christopher, Tyler, Jordan, Faythe. Alyssa, Aaron, Isabelle and Souvoy. She will also be greatly mourned by sisters Betty, Fances, Judy, Viola and Jenny as well as her brothers Gene and Herman. Sylvia has also left numerous nieces and nephews and godchildren who will forever miss Aunt Syl. Sylvia will also be mourned by her little sister Wendy Aboud from Big Brothers/Big Sisters who has been an important part of her life for over 20 years.
Sylvia received excellent care from her doctor, Gordon Spencer who she thought so highly of. The nursing team from Glace Bay hospital 3rd floor were excellent in how they demonstrated their care and compassion and for becoming part of our extended family over the past several months. They would brighten her day with hugs and lively conversation — regardless of whether they were assigned to work with her that day or not.
In last weeks of her life Sylvia was able to spend time with so many people with a steady flow of traffic throughout the third floor of the Glace Bay Hospital. She managed her recent diagnosis with dignity and grace and modelled such courage for all of us who loved her. As she was preparing for final days she asked that her obituary include: "I was blessed to have three beautiful diamonds as my children. I loved and adored each of you and you made my life so worthwhile. You were always such good kids who have been so wonderful to me. I got to spend my life with an amazing husband who I loved since we were young. We were blessed again with a fourth diamond when our boy came into our lives and filled our older years with joy. I have been blessed with the love of my beautiful grandchildren. I have had a full life because of the love you all gave me. I will continue to watch over you and love you forever."
Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2015 from 12-30 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay followed by the funeral service at 3 p.m. in St. Mary’s Anglican Church with Rev. Vernon Reid officiating. Reception to follow in the church foyer. Burial will be held at a later date in St. John’s Cemetery.
Donations made be made to palliative care unit in the Glace Bay Hospital.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vjmcgillivray.ca.


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