Our dear Auntie Sybil

You have been such a special Auntie and sister to all the Biss family and we have been so blessed to have you visit us in England with Tony and the family so often. It is fair to say that the Dockrill family has been the closest relatives and best friends of the family over the years even after you emigrated to Canada. We loved spending time with you when you visited and you brightened up the lives of our Dad (your brother Russell) and Mum (Irene) taking them on special trips around England and finally getting them to come to Canada when you gave them a holiday of a lifetime.

But it was your relationship with my Mum and Dad Sybil that we always remember. They were so comfortable and relaxed around you and loved your gentle and easy manner. I always remember you rolling your eyes in gentle exasperation at some of the things my Dad did in a way that only a loving sister can do. You and our Mum had such a special bond as you shared life together while Dad and Tony would talk for hours about shared interests and hobbies. You laughed with them, teased them and I am sure shared some difficult things in your special friendship. I think it is fair to say that Mum and Dad were never happier than in your company with Tony.

That same special relationship has been extended to us as your nephews as we grew up and had families of our own. You were around to support the passing of your Mum our special Nan. You showed such love on your visits to Mick as he struggled with mental illness and supported us with the illness and passing of Mum and Dad a few years back. We shall always remember our visit as a family to Kelowna in 2010 where you hosted us in your beautiful home and showed us the beauty of Canada and North America. It was a holiday of a lifetime and something very formative for our three daughters Amy, Rebecca and Hannah.

May God bless you and bring you his peace Sybil as he takes you into his eternal loving care.

Much love Graham, Yvonne, Amy, Rebecca and Hannah Biss (Ely 2022)

Dear Tony, we feel for you having to say goodbye to your sweetheart for a time. We know the reunion with Sybil some time in the future will be sweet and wonderful. We have many memories of laughs and smiles with Sybil. She was determined to make apricot syrup from the apricots in our tree even when she had to fight off wasps. Another memory of the two of you was always seeing you holding hands. And the many invites to come over and enjoy an English dinner and chocolate mint ice-cream. We will miss Sybil's kisses on the cheek. God bless and keep you. We love you both. Warren and Nadine Edis

To Tony

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing of Sybil. I have sweet memories of our visits to your home when you lived in Kelowna. Sending you lots of love, Donna Roth

My beloved Nanny. Watching this moving testament to your life has shown me so much of your character from before I could have even known you. It hurts me that I'm sat here working hard instead of being there for my mother, and my grandfather, to bid you goodbye in a way that reflects how much I remember you being such a steady part of my life. I can't think of any of your grandchildren who got to enjoy your company as often as I did. It seemed like we were over visiting almost every Sunday. It seems only a few years have past since I would be playing on your carpet, or reaping the deserved wrath of Grandpa for stopping your tape recording of Coronation Street so I could watch James Bond for the 20th time. Time is relentless. Now I'm 32, and you've left us. I'm sorry I couldn't say goodbye, but I am so glad you got to meet the woman who will be my wife, even if you didn't know it.

To my family- My memories of Nanny are of a pillar of stubbornness and strength. She refused to just sit and relax. She always had to be cleaning something, or cooking something, or getting something for everyone. She was always so gentle with me, even though as a boy I was impossible to keep entertained for more than 10 minutes. She helped look after me after my mother and father separated when I was a toddler. I feel truly lucky to be a part of her family, as she was impossibly caring and wonderful, and I'm proud of everything she was, and what she will be in our hearts for the rest of our lives. I am grateful that I was not forced to watch you slip away so painfully before my eyes, as my mother, grandfather, aunts, uncles and cousins were. It is a selfish thought of mine, but it is how I would have it. Watching this incredible send off has shown me that the strong woman I thought I knew, was stronger even than that.

My fondest memory of her will always be when we met in Crystal Palace several years ago, when she came to England, and I was wondering how it would be seeing her after more than 5 years, with all this talk of how frail she was growing, before the illness truly began. I wondered if perhaps she would be a little distant as I hadn't managed to visit my family in Canada in so long. But when she saw me I'll never forget the moment. "There's my boy!" she exclaimed loudly. And she threw her arms around me, this supposedly frail older woman. The reaction shocked everyone, my mother most of all when she heard. Even Grandpa looked astonished by the energy. I'll never forget that moment, and it will always be a cherished memory of mine.

With all the love I can muster, my wonderful nanny. May you finally know the peace you deserve.

Love, (your boy) Robbie xx

We will be thinking of you tomorrow Tony. John and I remember Sybil with great fondness and wish to give our love to you and your family at this very sad time ! Love Anne and John. xxx

I had a strong mix of feelings when learning of Sybil's passing; a deep sadness for Tony especially, likewise for his family and extended family members, as well as for myself, as Sybil will be greatly missed. Along with these feelings, though, was a feeling of gratitude and relief that her distress was finally at an end.

Many of you have said it but it's so true; Sybil was truly stoic, showing great courage in the face of life's adversity, and especially in her final years, with her horrible illness.

Sybil demonstrated in so many ways what a loving, dedicated and loyal wife she was; what a wonderful caring mother (and grandmother/great grandmother) and what a thoughtful and kind sister in law. We had some good times together in both England and in Canada. Love you Syb and look forward, with hope, to a most happy reunion, where we can greet each other once more, along with other loved ones, "in our prime" and whole again. (Or, as it says, in Alma 40:23 "a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame"). Love, Chrissie

Our love to Tony, Susan, Caroline, Matthew and Allan and all those connected to them,

Sybil was a remarkable woman who met the challenges of her life with faith and courage. Faith always has an object and hers was firmly rooted in her Heavenly Father, in his Beloved Son and in their great plan of happiness. She has done the most important work anyone can ever do in sharing that faith with the rising generation and, through them, generations to come. Right now, dozens bless her name, in generations to came, countless more. What a legacy!

It is rightly said that the only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life. We are saddened by separation but rejoice in the assurance of her continued, and happy, life and of sweet reunions to come.

I have so many fond childhood memories of Sybil - the lovely chocolate cake she would make for us; the twinkle in her eye and the smile that she tried to supress when it became necessary to tell us off; and the wonderful magical Christmases that she helped to provide.

As an adult I grew to admire so many of Sybil's qualities - her faithfulness, patience and serenity - and in more recent years, as she became unwell, the courage and bravery that she showed. We love you Sybil and look forward to the day when we know that we will meet again. God bless you dear Sybil.

Kathy and Chris

I spent a happy few months living with my Aunty Sybil and Uncle Tony as an 18 year-old and developed a great love for them both. She was determined to make me put on weight, always heaping extra mash onto my plate (while putting her "bunny", Tony, on an (arguably unnecessary) diet. I loved how they teased each other, and served each other; and how they'd grumble but adore each other.

Some happy memories include how she cared for the hanging baskets, and hours skinning peaches from their tree together.

It used to make me smile how 'proper' Aunty Sybil could be. She'd let me know if I dropped my Ts!

Tony and Sybil visited the UK often, and have always been a part of our lives we look forward to.

Sybil's legacy are her children, grand-children, and great grandchildren - all so talented, successful and good.

We love you Aunty Sybil, and though you are missed, we are happy that your spirit is liberated from a poorly body, and we are sure of a happy reunion one day. Love Sam (and Siobhain, Eden, Amelie, Jesse, Kristen and Ezekiel Rushworth).

I am very saddened to hear of Sybil’s death. She was a truly brave lady who managed her health problems really well. I got to know Sybil and Tony on the Sapphire Princess as we travelled from the U.S.A to Australia in 2004. We have been good friends ever since that date exchanging holidays between Canada, U.S.A. And the UK. Sybil will be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with all the family at this very sad time.

Wendy Johnston

Dear sweet Sybil! I got to know Sybil and Tony through church and visiting Sybil monthly in their home. Sybil was always cheerful and never complained even though it was obvious she struggled with movement and other health issues. A real example of courage, faith and positive attitude. I always admired Tony‘s dedication to caring for Sybil. I am glad she is free of pain now. Many condolences to Tony and to the rest of the family. Sally Riske

Pat Dockrill - In loving memory of a wonderful, loyal, courageous, and faithful lady who I am proud to call my sister in law. She fought the good fight and is now in the care of our loving father in Heaven and will receive the blessings of a righteous life

Tony and family you know you are in our thoughts and prayers and I know the Lord will be with you to support you all through this difficult time

We are deeply saddened to hear of Sybil's passing. Sybil is especially remembered for her true dedication in her work caring for young children and, in later years, for her courage and strength in the face of increasing health challenges. Our condolences to you Tony and all the family. Our thoughts are with you.

So sorry to hear of Sybil's passing, and thinking of and praying for you, Tony and all. We hope you will feel some measure of peace and comfort during this sad time. Lots of love from Seth, Emma and the children. X

We’re saddened to hear of our dear friend Sybil passing. We will always remember her kindness, visiting both of you in Kelowna bringing in New Years together, visits to Naramata by the lake in the Okanagan and working together at Pumpkin Patch Daycare where she was always happy to be. She loved the children.

The Sutherland’s

Bridgett, John, Arran & Zoie.