In Memoriam
Sylvia Margaret McPhee
July 18, 1932 – March 25, 2023
Sylvia passed away on March 25, 2023 at Toronto General Hospital in her 91st year. She will be remembered by her many nieces and nephews and their families and her friends. Predeceased by her brothers George McPhee and Douglas McPhee, sisters Connie Cussons, Sheelagh Riggin and Jean McPhee and parents Douglas and Nancy (Leather) McPhee.
Sylvia was the 1st Executive Secretary, 3rd Chair (1980-1981) and 6th Chair of CASSOC (1991). She and Mary Garrett wrote the History of CASSOC which is posted on the website. Sylvia’s devotion to her Scottish roots has been passionate and exemplary.
Sylvia was born in London, ON, the daughter of Douglas McPhee and Ann Elizabeth (Nancy) Leather, a Yorkshire lass. Her life at home with her brother and three sisters was always exciting and rewarding as was school! Sylvia attended the London Normal School for teacher training in 1950-1951. In London, she was a classroom teacher, consultant, vice-principal and principal and taught for a year at an infant school in Wales on an exchange program. She later graduated from Western University and the University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) and holds a Master of Education degree. Sylvia has taught learners from toddlers to post-grads and her decision to become a teacher led to a rewarding career as a Teacher, Principal, and Consultant with the London Board of Education and as an Assistant Superintendent (Education Officer) with the Ontario Ministry of Education from 1967-1989. Her particular interest was early childhood education and she supported many organizations dedicated to furthering the development of young children. She was a strong advocate for early childhood literacy.
Sylvia had a life-long interest in the performing arts, first instilled in her by her father. She was an avid and knowledgeable attendee of theatre, opera, ballet and classical music performances. She supported many performing arts organizations both financially and as a volunteer, and particularly those that combine an art form with development of children, thereby combining two of her abiding interests. Sylvia was an enthusiastic Scottish Country dancer and took her Teacher’s Certificate in the same in 1960 at St. Andrew’s Scotland. She taught interest groups for the London School Board and the local RSCDS chapter. Anywhere Sylvia could gather a group, had a good floor and a music source, then -Voilà – a reel or a strathspey soon followed!
The Macfie Clan Society of Canada has been a member of CASSOC from the original foundational meeting in 1975 until the present. Sylvia was President of the Ontario branch of the Society in 1980-81 and from 1992-94 and has served as their Seneschal for Canada since 1980. Sylvia was President of the Canadian society from 1995-1998 and is well known to clan members across Canada and around the world. Sylvia has been armigerous since 1981 and her motto is Pro Veritate. She was a member of the Derbhfines that selected Dr. Earle MacPhee (Can), Sandy McPhie (Aus), and Iain M. McFie (Scot) as Commanders. Sylvia was first appointed Commissioner for Canada in 1982 by the founding Clan Commander Dr. Earle MacPhee. On 1 July 1990, Sylvia was appointed Commissioner for Canada by then Commander Sandy McPhie. On 2 Nov. 2008, she was appointed Commissioner for Canada by the latest Commander Iain M. McFie. Sylvia has served all three commanders with diligence and enthusiasm.
In 1967, Sylvia was honoured for her contribution to education with Canada’s Centennial Medal and in 1977 for her work for the Scottish community with the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal. This medal was presented by the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, Pauline McGibbon, at the CASSOC Ball. That same evening, prior to the ball, the Executive of CASSOC had the honour of meeting Prince Philip at the Royal Canadian Military Institute in Toronto. In 2019, Sylvia received her Ontario Volunteer Service Award pin for 40+ years of service to and for CASSOC.
As an expression of sympathy, donations to organizations supporting early childhood education and development or the performing arts or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Sylvia was the 1st Executive Secretary, 3rd Chair (1980-1981) and 6th Chair of CASSOC (1991). She and Mary Garrett wrote the History of CASSOC which is posted on the website. Sylvia’s devotion to her Scottish roots has been passionate and exemplary.
Sylvia was born in London, ON, the daughter of Douglas McPhee and Ann Elizabeth (Nancy) Leather, a Yorkshire lass. Her life at home with her brother and three sisters was always exciting and rewarding as was school! Sylvia attended the London Normal School for teacher training in 1950-1951. In London, she was a classroom teacher, consultant, vice-principal and principal and taught for a year at an infant school in Wales on an exchange program. She later graduated from Western University and the University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) and holds a Master of Education degree. Sylvia has taught learners from toddlers to post-grads and her decision to become a teacher led to a rewarding career as a Teacher, Principal, and Consultant with the London Board of Education and as an Assistant Superintendent (Education Officer) with the Ontario Ministry of Education from 1967-1989. Her particular interest was early childhood education and she supported many organizations dedicated to furthering the development of young children. She was a strong advocate for early childhood literacy.
Sylvia had a life-long interest in the performing arts, first instilled in her by her father. She was an avid and knowledgeable attendee of theatre, opera, ballet and classical music performances. She supported many performing arts organizations both financially and as a volunteer, and particularly those that combine an art form with development of children, thereby combining two of her abiding interests. Sylvia was an enthusiastic Scottish Country dancer and took her Teacher’s Certificate in the same in 1960 at St. Andrew’s Scotland. She taught interest groups for the London School Board and the local RSCDS chapter. Anywhere Sylvia could gather a group, had a good floor and a music source, then -Voilà – a reel or a strathspey soon followed!
The Macfie Clan Society of Canada has been a member of CASSOC from the original foundational meeting in 1975 until the present. Sylvia was President of the Ontario branch of the Society in 1980-81 and from 1992-94 and has served as their Seneschal for Canada since 1980. Sylvia was President of the Canadian society from 1995-1998 and is well known to clan members across Canada and around the world. Sylvia has been armigerous since 1981 and her motto is Pro Veritate. She was a member of the Derbhfines that selected Dr. Earle MacPhee (Can), Sandy McPhie (Aus), and Iain M. McFie (Scot) as Commanders. Sylvia was first appointed Commissioner for Canada in 1982 by the founding Clan Commander Dr. Earle MacPhee. On 1 July 1990, Sylvia was appointed Commissioner for Canada by then Commander Sandy McPhie. On 2 Nov. 2008, she was appointed Commissioner for Canada by the latest Commander Iain M. McFie. Sylvia has served all three commanders with diligence and enthusiasm.
In 1967, Sylvia was honoured for her contribution to education with Canada’s Centennial Medal and in 1977 for her work for the Scottish community with the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal. This medal was presented by the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario, Pauline McGibbon, at the CASSOC Ball. That same evening, prior to the ball, the Executive of CASSOC had the honour of meeting Prince Philip at the Royal Canadian Military Institute in Toronto. In 2019, Sylvia received her Ontario Volunteer Service Award pin for 40+ years of service to and for CASSOC.
As an expression of sympathy, donations to organizations supporting early childhood education and development or the performing arts or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.