It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother (Mummo) after a brief illness.
Sylvia lit up the room with her energy, positivity, kindness and love. She truly knew how to connect with people around her, and used that gifting in her work as first a radiologic technologist and therapist, and then as a marriage and family therapist in later life. She was very creative – loved crafts, music, and writing – and she used those gifts throughout the years in her much loved church community.
She leaves behind her beloved husband of 44 years, Tapio Rukkila, her two children, Markus (Alina) Rukkila, and Sarah (Mark) Rytkonen, her eight grandchildren, her brother Arthur (Janet) Salmi, and her many friends and relatives in Canada, Finland, and around the world.
We would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Mackenzie Health Centre in Richmond Hill for their extraordinary care and support.
She is now at peace with her Saviour, Jesus Christ. No more sickness or pain. She has received her crown of life and awaits the rest of us in her heavenly home.
This goodbye is not forever - we will see her again.

There will be a Celebration of Life held on Wednesday, January 23 at Saalem/Bayview Family Church (2570 Bayview Avenue, North York). Visitation from 12-2pm, Service at 2pm. Reception to follow in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Sylvia’s memory to Caring Hands Uganda-Canada (caringhandscanada.com/donate) or Bayview Family Church (bayviewfamily.church/give).