Silvia CHITTY

We sadly share, heartfelt news of the passing of Sylvia Chitty. A wife, mom, daughter, nana/grandma, sister, aunt, great aunt, and friend of many. She was true to herself and loved and respected by all who knew her.
Sylvia and husband Joe enjoyed annual visits to Victoria, BC to visit her son and family, and made regular visits to her daughter and family in Sarnia. They ventured to Italy, Sicily, Florida, Lubec, Main and several times visited her family in Australia. Sylvia loved to watch her granddaughters at the stables caring for and riding their horses and watching the boys grow skillfully competing in their hockey games. She enjoyed nature walks at Bayfront Park and the Royal Botanical Gardens, painting, gardening, reading, singing, volunteering, playing Scrabble and riding her bike.
Sylvia dragon boated in Hamilton with Wave Warriors and in Waterford with Ship of Jewels. She played Skip Bo and other board games during gatherings with friends and enjoyed annual adventures with her "Birdie" gals to Pelee Island and Prince Edward County. She was a member of the Women's Canadian Club of Hamilton. Sylvia and Joe first met at a dance on the driveway while waiting for supper to cook on the BBQ.
Sylvia was a stay-at-home parent in England and following emigration to Canada in 1981, studied Early Childhood education at Red River College in Manitoba and Mohawk College in Ontario (where she later taught night classes). She chose a career in Canada working alongside children, youth and their families at the YWCA, St. Matthew's House, and Developmental Services Ontario in her role of Resource Coordinator. In 2005, she was nominated and selected by her peers to receive the Child and youth award in Hamilton.
Sylvia will be greatly missed by her beloved husband and best friend, Dr. Joe Rizzo, who made her laugh, daughter Abbie (Tristen), Lynken and Benytt, son Matthew (Monica), Kendra and Kellie, Joe's daughter Kelly (Stu), Joe's family, as well as her family in Australia, England, Spain, and many friends. We extend sincere appreciation to Dr. Khodawandi, Victoria Order of nurses, Cancer Assistance Program, Joseph Brant Hospital, Dr. Kazemi and the staff of the Juravinski Cancer Center for their kindness and medical support.
Sylvia hoped that friends and family would gather to informally celebrate her life during visitation at Bay gardens Funeral Home in Burlington on February 27, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery following a service at West Plains United Church on February 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Following burial, there will be a reception at the Church. Donations may be made with appreciation to a charity of choice.