Sylvia Dolores Hurley

Sylvia Dolores Hurley, née Hall (September 11, 1948-September 19, 2020). The world has lost one of its kindest and most beautiful souls. Sylvia Dolores Hurley (née Hall), took her leave from this world—at home, suddenly, at the young age of 72 years—on September 19, 2020. She left us as she had lived with us: in a mode of quiet devotion that also exerted a breathtaking force. She is survived by four beloved children—Natasha (Susanne Luhmann); Andrea; Paul (Patricia MacLeod); and Kenneth (Andrea Hurley)—and four cherished grandchildren: Liam, Nick, Briar, and Max. She is predeceased by her brother, Bernard, and parents James and Mary Hall (née English) and leaves holes in the hearts of a wide circle of extended family and friends. Sylvia was born in St. John’s, NL on September 11, 1948 and lived her whole life in the tight-knit town of North River. That life was defined by her sharp mind, welcoming spirit, strong faith, and good humour. Having lost her only brother to a drowning accident at the age of 9, she was no stranger to tragedy. Yet that experience also sharpened her capacity to relate to others in times of great distress, as those who have benefitted from her warmth as a member of All Hallows Parish’s Bereavement team can attest. Hers was, in short, a life motivated by the spirit of generosity in her home, work, and community life. Sylvia’s family was the chief beneficiary of her bigheartedness. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she their lodestar. She never tired of regaling friends with stories about all of them delighting as she did in their accomplishments. And there was never a story of a cute grandchild that did not bear repeating. Her children have sought to follow her lead in both selflessness, open-door policies, and movable feasts—though none of them may ever know her like again in matters of homemade bread. In terms of career, Sylvia was a teacher by training and by vocation. Her love of reading and learning as a child eventually spurred her to attend Memorial University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education. She spent most of her career at St Edward’s Elementary in Brigus and All Hallows Elementary in North River. She always went the extra mile for her students, whether that involved taking them on trips to St. Pierre or upgrading her own education in a summer program at Chicoutimi, QC. She even continued her service to the education system by continuing the support the Heritage Fair competitions since her retirement—though it must also be said that retirement also involved quite a lot of doting on grandchildren and many puzzlebooks. What ran through every part of her life and served as the guiding light for her generosity, however, was her faith. She was a devout Catholic and a pillar of All Hallows Parish. There has been no truer believer than Sylvia Hurley and she took enormous pleasure in her service to the church and its community. Nor was this service about public recognition for deeds. She was always willing to do the behind-the-scenes labour to support the work of God, whether that meant washing altar cloths, making sandwiches, or attending Parish Council meetings. Her beliefs made her a steadfast friend, a dedicated volunteer, and a champion of Christian values. While the grief shared by many of us at this time of loss may feel inconsolable, Sylvia would be the first to comfort us with her fervent hope that our loss is heaven’s gain. A funeral mass will be held to commemorate Sylvia Hurley’s life on October 6, 2020. A visitation will be held one day prior, on October 5, 2020 at Slade’s Funeral Home in Bay Roberts. Funeral and visitation are by invitation only, as per Covid protocols. Donations may be made in her name to All Hallows Parish Cemetery Fund. Flowers are also gratefully accepted and may be delivered either to Slade’s Funeral Home (45-59 L.T. Stick Drive, Bay Roberts) or to her family home, 1 Fillier’s Lane, North River. For further information please call Slade’s Funeral Home, Bay Roberts at 786-2323. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Slade’s Funeral Home, serving Carbonear, Upper Island Cove, Bay Roberts and surrounding areas.