The Rev. Sylvia June Brightwell
July 11, 2025
In the familiar comfort of her home, surrounded by art, music, and love (human, feline and Divine), Sylvia completed her earthly song at sunrise on Friday, July 11, 2025. Sylvia was the only child of (the late) Majors Fred and Eva Brightwell. She leaves to mourn, celebrate and carry on, her beloved life partner, wife and friend Pam Hill, as well as her mother-in-law, Joan Hill, and her bonus siblings Julie Hill and Dave Rader, Brad Hill and Stephanie Ledger. Sylvia took great delight in their children Russ (Sarah), Lee and Mali, as well as the next generation of grand-nieces Addie, Jolene and Wren. Sylvia was embraced by the extended Hill, Stockton and Chambers families, and had chosen family, close friends and circles of people who loved her and were loved in return. Members of her House Church were deeply cherished friends. Benjie and Charlie will miss cuddles and treats with their Mom.
Sylvia was one of the earliest women ordained as a priest in the Anglican Church of Canada (Diocese of Huron, 1981). She served the parish of St. John the Evangelist, London, and got to know wonderful people through her study groups, New Beginnings groups and musical ministries, including the annual 53rd Weekend conferences. Many young musicians grew and gained confidence and spiritual insight from being 53rd musicians. Parishes frequently invited her to lead music-based retreats or learning events. After St. John the Evangelist, Sylvia pursued further academic and professional studies. For many years, she was the Honourary Assistant at Christ Anglican Church, London. Following the closure of Christ Church (Easter 2014), Sylvia was a co-leader for a small group that offered services in a local retirement home. That group eventually became a “House Church” and adapted to COVID by meeting on-line, which they have continued to do until the end of June. She also enjoyed being an Honourary Assistant at St. Anne’s, Byron.
Sylvia’s professional life was mainly as a counsellor. Following her own near-death experience, from a car crash at age 30, she trained to support others through all kinds of grief and loss, to develop their inner lives and embrace wisdom from their dreams, seeking greater consciousness and authenticity. Her counselling and spiritual direction practice and dream workshops fueled her own constant learning and efforts to be the best person she could be and empower others to do the same.
Grateful thanks to the many caregivers, especially Florence, Kpana, Dr. Cathy Faulds and all the staff at VON & Ontario Health at Home who helped make this journey as good and gentle as possible.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 472 Richmond St, London on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life on Thursday, July 17th at 1:00 p.m.
A livestream will be available for those who are unable to attend the service. The livestream is through St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Sylvia are asked to consider Camp Wendake, Nature Conservancy of Canada, London Humane Society London & Middlesex, Blyth Festival Theatre, any charity that supports unhoused people or just to be kind.
Leave a tribute for The Rev. Sylvia June Brightwell
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Sylvia was a formative part of my 53rd Musician experience, musically, emotionally, spiritually. Sylvia set the tone and the tempo. That group of musicians and those friendships meant the world to me, a lifeline in many ways. Under Sylvia’s strong feminist leadership, which was like oxygen to me, I grew so much. Sylvia and Pam had an indelible impact on my young closeted queer heart. They showed me that my kind of love was possible. My heart reaches out to Pam as well as to those close to Sylvia, weeping and celebrating in equal measures. I will be grateful for Sylvia’s life and her example, forever. Kelly-Anne Malcomson Victoria, BC
I am so sorry for your loss Pam. I ain't know wordsmith or whatever so I thought I would share a picture of happier times.
I had the pleasure of knowing Sylvia from her time spent Friday afternoons at Parkwood. Her conversational ease and true interest in the people made her an integral part of Fridays. Class was always a little more fun and social when Sylvia attended. She has been missed.... My sincere condolences.
Thinking of you , Pam , on the passing of your beloved Sylvia . May memories comfort you and eternal love give you strength .
Remembering a ‘teenage’ Sylvia, who was not only a dear family friend, but gave me singing lessons as a young girl, and cared for me through busy days around my father’s passing in 1959. She was also extended family, through her uncle, Robert Hackett. In my early life, she was very much a mentor and a beautiful role model. Remembering her with fond memories.
Sylvia directed the choir at St. John's in St. Thomas when my sons and I attended. She was a wonderful, caring, and inspirational leader. I also knew her at 53rd Weekend. I was sorry to hear of her passing. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. May God grant peace to her family and friends and may fond memories bring comfort to them as they grieve. Margaret Newman
Please accept my deepest condolences on learning of Sylvia's death. It out me in mind of the song 'Seasons of Love' and the love you shared with each other as the season's and years unfolded. Sylvia lived a life of service through the blessings of her Ministry and Counselling. I always remember her singing at Christ Church and was so moved when she lead the Litany of Saints. Pam you are wrapped in love. May you be sustained and uplifted by faith, family and friends and the previous memories you share. In Mayan legend the Milky Way is called 'The River or Bridge of Souls'. After death we make our passage over that bridge and are met by our loved ones and Ancestors.
I think of Sylvia with a rich fondness in my heart. Lyn and I thank her for the precious memories, joyous ceremonies, workshops, baptisms, and life, pure and simple, on life's terms. I thank her for being who she was, all that she embodied, and all the good she so graciously gave to others that now continues as one of her lasting legacies. Pam, in each and every memory, you are there, by her side. You are a gift to this world. I am truly sorry for the loss of your beloved. May her memories comfort you. Catherine and Lynda Gough
Our sincere condolences to you Pam.I remember the pleasant afternoon we spent chatting when Joanne joined Dan and the boys and you two were visiting. I also remember talking to you both at one of the baseball games that Jo and Dan played in----wrap yourself in all the warm memories. They will comfort you. May Sylvia rest in peace . Will be thinking of you at this sad time.
Pam, I met both you an Sylvia at 53rd Weekend many years ago. The musical presence from both you and Sylvia was an inspiration and I spent many years as a 53rd Musician myself. May your footsteps be blessed as you remember and celebrate Sylvia's life. Christine Saunders
Pam, my sincere condolences to you and your family with your huge loss. My most profound memory of Sylvia was her crystal clear and angelic VOICE at occasions I was privileged to sing alongside her. Sending you love and comfort in the days ahead. Ria
Pam I am sorry for your loss of your beloved Sylvia. I have known you since camp Huron Days. You were my cabin group leader more than once. I met Sylvia there playing the guitar and singing. Then years later at various church events. Sylvia was my therapist for many years. Then you both came to our church. We have come full circle. I will miss seeing Sylvia at special events. Please know that you are being held in love, thoughts and prayers. We will miss Sylvia forever. Love Colleen
Sylvia and I met in 1969 at Huron College as first year students in the one course — English literature — our timetables shared. In neighbouring seats, we connected easily. She often drove me home on rainy days and then more frequently. That was the pace of our unexpected friendship that continued through intervals of wide-ranging introspective conversation and sometimes lengthy silences when our paths took completely different directions … but the circles kept intertwining and we came to share a wonderful friendship well over half-a-century long. I will miss her dearly.
I remember having told Sylvia her voice was like angels singing. I'd like to think she sang her way to heaven. Pam and family I was honoured to have known Sylvia. My love and heartfelt condolences.
We are so sorry Pam to hear about Sylvie. The other day we lost a very caring selfless individual. We hope you find comfort in knowing that this caring selfless invidual has definitely earned her wings. RIP Sylvie! Our deepest Condolences to Pam and Family!
Sincere condolences to Pam, the family and the community that she has touched so greatly. May she find ever lasting peace.
Services for The Rev. Sylvia June Brightwell
Visitation will be held at:
St. Paul's Cathedral
472 Richmond Street
London, Ontario
July 16, 2025 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Celebration of Life will be held at:
St. Paul's Cathedral
472 Richmond Street
London, Ontario
July 17, 2025 1:00 pm
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Such a wonderful, spiritual person and bright light in the world. A tireless advocate for marginalized persons. A caring human being of all the creatures on this earth. My condolences to Pam and all her loved ones. Rest in power, Sylvia xo ❤️🙏
~ Mary Clements