Sylvia Irene Richter

RICHTER, Sylvia Irene February 23, 1917 - June 10, 2016 Sylvia Richter died peacefully surrounded by her family in Naples, Florida on June 10, 2016 during her 100th year of life. Her long and fulfilling life began in Miniota, Manitoba, the third daughter of Frances and Basil Reveley. Farming was tough on the prairies in those days so the family moved 8 years later to the small city of Melville, Saskatchewan. Sylvia was an excellent student, graduating first in her high school class at age 16 years. She went on to the University of Saskatchewan where she continued to excel academically as well as learning about boys, dancing and parties. She moved to Regina, Saskatchewan in 1937 where she graduated from the Reliance School of Commerce. Two years later she met and married George Little. Sylvia was a loving mother to her two children, Sandra Ainslee and John Reveley Little. She went on to receive a teaching certificate from Central Collegiate College. She held leadership roles in the Eastern Star and the Mothers Union of her church. With her children growing older, she joined a cherished group of colleagues at the radio station CKCK as Traffic Manager. Her marriage to George Little ended a few years after moving to Victoria, BC in 1965. While working for the BC Department of Mines, she met and married the "love of her life", Frank Richter, a longstanding MLA and cabinet minister. Sadly, Frank died suddenly 7 years later. The next phase of her life was enriched by her grandchildren including: Susan, Gary and Karen (Pye) Malcolm; Jennifer, Collin, Amanda (Lee) and Katherine Little; and, John Butler and Sara Johnson. She became an avid world traveler, usually on cruise ships. Much of her life in Brentwood Bay and Sidney revolved around her friends and activities at St. Stephens Anglican Church, the Auxiliary at Saanich Peninsula Hospital and later, at the Central Saanich Lawn Bowling Club. With advancing age she found that she was unable to continue living independently so a decision was made three years ago to move to Naples, Florida to be with her son and his wife, Veora. During her last years, she was surrounded by a loving family, including sixteen great grandchildren. Sylvia remained a vital, engaged person until the end of her life. Her family and friends greatly benefited from her sense of humor and wisdom. She will be greatly missed! Her funeral is scheduled for 1:00 PM on Friday, June 17 at St. Stephens Anglican Church in West Saanichton. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a commemorative donation to the church. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.