Obituary

FRASER, Sylvia L.

Peacefully in hospital in Toronto on October 25, 2022, after a brief illness in her 88th year. Sylvia is survived by her nephews Nicholas, Anthony, and Michael, and by her nieces Susan and Patricia, and their families, as well as by her “adopted clan,” Anna and Julian Porter and family. Sylvia was a compassionate ally to underdogs—animal and human—and a keen observer. She grew up in Hamilton, ON. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario with a B.A. in Philosophy, she began her career as a journalist with the Toronto Star and went on to write novels, autobiography, and non-fiction, as well as ghostwriting several books, helping others tell their stories. Sylvia modelled meaningful, vibrant living that didn’t conform to expectations and aged fearlessly. Her literary archives have been willed to the Mills Memorial Library at McMaster University. A memorial service will be held at Cardinal Funeral Home, 366 Bathurst St., Toronto (416-603-1444), on Saturday, November 19 at 2 p.m. Sylvia requested memorial donations be made, if desired, to Annex Cat Rescue or Toronto Pig Save.

Visitation

Date
November 19, 2022
Location
Cardinal Funeral Homes - Bathurst Chapel
Time
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Date
November 19, 2022
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home - Bathurst Chapel
Time
03:00 PM - 04:00 PM

Service

Date
November 19, 2022
Location
Cardinal Funeral Homes - Bathurst Chapel
Time
02:00 PM

Burial / Entombment / Cremation

*

October 31, 2022
Shelley (Rochelle Doan) Craig
Irene's family and the Porters: I am so sorry for your loss. As a former Pi Phi housemate, I've always been a great admirer of your aunt's wit, wisdom, writing talent, and her free-spirited psyche. Sylvia's now off on another fantastic adventure.
October 30, 2022
Jenny McQueen
Sylvia was such a special soul. As an animal rights activist, she was a fellow warrior for the pigs and for all animals, whether domesticated, oppressed or wild. Her literary skills were put to good use! Earlier this year I asked for her take on our current criminal trial defending pigs, and she didn’t disappoint. We sent it as a media release, giving Sylvia full credit. I’m sending this again to the Toronto Star. Here’s part of it: “Pigs rank in the top five of our smartest mammals. When left to their own devices, they create closely knit societies. They are tender mothers. They are self-aware. They form long-lasting friendships based on personality, ignoring differences in colour, size, breed. They ritualistically mourn their dead, in grieving ceremonies much like human wakes.” Sylvia had an adorable twinkle in her eye for her friends, and always a kind word. She was witty, generous with her time, and I absolutely adored her. Her memory will forever live on in my life, and in my work campaigning for animals. I hope to emulate her zest for life... cycling around town in my eighties, attending protests, and writing too :) Thanks so much Sylvia for all you did for so many.
October 29, 2022
Mary-Jo Powell
We didnt get together very often but I did enjoy the times we did and our yearly catchup at Christmas. We both enjoyed the adventure of our grandfather (and great grandfather) and our shared love of cats. Sylvia was a truly unique individual and I will miss her. My sincere sympathy to Irene's children and to her adopted family (the Porters).