Obituary of Sylvia Blanche Costello

(Bennett, Schop, Leathley) June 4, 1939 – February 21, 2015 Our world has drastically changed. Our beautiful, caring and generous mother has passed away at age 75 due to complications from pneumonia. Mom was born at Vancouver General Hospital and spent her entire life in the Vancouver area, with short stints in Oliver, Sidney and Calgary. She is survived by her daughters, Randi Schop Weiss (Larry Koo) and Karen Schop, brother, Bob, sister, Diane and her beloved dog, Willy. She is predeceased by her ex-husband who was her great friend and daughters’ father, Doug Schop in 2011, her son-in-law, Greg Ste. Marie in 2012. She is also predeceased by her mother and father, Dorothy and Donald Anderson, brothers Keith, Steve and Mark. Mom had many careers, talents and interests throughout her life, her favourite being mother to her daughters (she said so herself), she was a wife several times over (not so much her favourite thing). Mom worked hard for 45 years until her retirement. She was an accounting clerk, secretary, restaurant owner, property manager, lumber mill worker, sales representative, bricklayer, co-owner of Manx Press for many years before becoming a professional caregiver. During all those years, Mom was always a wonderful and creative artist, athlete, wine enthusiast, and an avid news and sports junkie! Mom always enjoyed lots of laughs and love with those around her. Mom was a good person, but she was not a saint (which was fine by her). She had wonderful life, enjoyed music, dancing, great conversations with interesting people, many impromptu parties just happened (often at her place). Mom lived in the moment with her heart on her sleeve (she wouldn’t have had it any other way). In her later years, she toned down a lot, but still enjoyed chatting over coffee or wine with her daughters or friends, walking, shopping and especially keeping up with her tennis watching, which was her favourite sport. We will miss mom deeply, especially her daily calls to us. We are so fortunate to both have a treasure trove of memories spent with her, which we will always cherish. Thank you for the excellent medical care and support provided by the doctors and nurses at Burnaby Hospital. A private graveside service with be held at Maple Ridge Cemetery.