Sylvia Evelyn Rawlings (nee Basaraba)

It is with great sadness that the family of Sylvia Rawlings announces her peaceful passing on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at the Gladstone Medical Centre at the age of 85. 

Sylvia is predeceased by her parents, John and Adeline Basaraba, mother-in-law and father-in-law, William and Ida Rawlings, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Viola and Robert Brown, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Isabel and Bob Gillespie, brother-in-law Dave Moffat, brother-in-law Andy Phillips, brother-in-law Wes McKee, and her husband Floyd Rawlings. 

Left to mourn her passing are her son, Shawn (Rosa) of Portage la Prairie, MB., daughter, Lori Taylor (Richard) of Hartney, MB, and their son Taylor (Raschelle), their step-daughter Krista, grandsons Hunter and Oliver and great-granddaughter Eden, brother Ron (Sharon) Basaraba of Gilbert Plains, MB, sister Bev (Mike) Miller of Salmon Arm, BC, sister-in-law June Moffat of Portage la Prairie, MB, sister-in-law, Ina Phillips of Edmonton, AB, sister-in-law, Freda McKee of Elliot Lake, ON, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Raymond and Laura Rawlings of Regina, SK, special "daughter" Trina (Bruce) Tigg and their children, life-long friends Jim and Karen Down and Ralph and Marilyn Mutter, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. 

Sylvia was born in Dauphin, MB and spent her childhood on the family farm by Gilbert Plains. In the mid 1950's she moved to Portage and earned a nursing degree while working at the MDC. She soon met the love of her life Floyd Rawlings and they were married June 7, 1958. They built their forever home together in Portage la Prairie where she remained until her passing. Their first child Shawn was born in 1962, while she was an accountant at Inter City gas. Three years later, daughter Lori was born in 1965, when Mom was working as an accountant at Bowes Mobile Homes. In the early 1970's, Mom found her career with CIBC where she earned her diploma as a Registered Chartered Accountant by correspondence which she was proud of. Mom stayed at CIBC until the end of 2001 and made many friends with both employees and clients. While raising a young family and working full time, Mom and Dad enjoyed 10 pin bowling league, curling and belonged to the Portage Forrester's. Trap shooting became part of Mom and Dad's life around 1980 which they both loved for many years and helped run the Portage Gun Club as well as many provincial shots. Mom moved on to become the 1st woman President of the Manitoba Trapshooting Association and both Mom and Dad were inducted Manitoba Trapshooting Association Hall of Honor in July 2002. Mom enjoyed being with family and friends near and far, went on many trips to visit them. Mom also loved animals and cherished her cat Carlee until the end. She will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all that knew her.

Viewing will take place on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 7:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, 56 Royal Road S, Portage la Prairie. 

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 1:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, led by Shirley McLaren. The service will be livestreamed, to register and view see below. Burial will take place at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

Donations in Sylvia's name may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 40 Royal Road North, Portage la Prairie MB R1N 1V1, the Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 – 5th St.SE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3A8 or to Portage Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), 121 12th St. NE, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 4A2.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com