Barbara Sylvan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara Angela Sylvan, who left us peacefully to be with her Heavenly Father on August 30, 2025, in her 72 year, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Barbara will be forever remembered by her devoted husband and partner of 38 years,Jerome Sylvan. She was a proud and loving mother to Glenn Palmer, Tricia McKenley, Rickyand Danny Sylvan, and her “favourite son-in-law” Saj McKenley, as well as a cherished”Nana” to her grandchildren Isaiah, Hazel-Joy, and Ezekiel McKenley.

Predeceased by her mother Nellie Victoria Campbell, her father Martel Smith, her sisterJennifer Buchanan, and her brother Paul Kennedy. Barbara is survived by her sisterPaulette Kennedy, her brothers Trevor Brown, Hopeton Kennedy, and Barrington Rowe, along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family who adored her.

Barbara was raised in a loving home in Mandeville, Manchester, Jamaica by her adoptive mother Eva Smith and adoptive father Ezra “Pops” Smith, who predeceased her. There, she was raised with sisters Allegra Fairweather and Marilyn Cato, and brothers WinstonSmith, Neville Smith and Clinton “Tony” Smith who she is survived by. Barbara is also survived by nieces, nephews, and extended family of the Smith lineage who adored her.

Barbara was a fun loving person who loved to dance, especially “the Barbara dance” or the“dance of joy” with Danny. She was a member of her church choir, assisted with Sunday school, and co-led a number of Bible study groups while at Agincourt Pentecostal Church(now; OneChurchTO). She worked for The Salvation Army for a short period of time and during her time there, people would share their stories of how the organization has helped them over the years. When she got the job as security guard at Bell Media, she was very excited. She has always loved uniforms and was proud to wear one in this position.

She loved to laugh, she loved to garden, although she was terrified of garden worms, and she made the best oxtail EVER. Barbara would say a little prayer whenever she or any loved ones were about to travel, long distance or short distance, and would also say a little prayer if she ever saw a young person out late at night.

She will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of sharing space and time with her.

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