Obituary of Stephanie Jane Wylie

STEPHANIE JANE WYLIE

(nee HRYNIUK)

Stephanie died peacefully at the age of 52 on Friday, August 31, 2018 surrounded by friends and family.  For three weeks she had fought courageously to overcome life threatening complications of a pre-existing condition.  She is mourned by her mother Joy Lorraine Barrie; aunt Deirdre; brother John; husband Gregory; and treasured children Declan and Sarah.  She was the cherished daughter-in-law of Torrance and Andree Wylie; sister-in-law of Michel and Louise; and adored aunt to Liam, Ariane and Kevin.  She was predeceased by her father Steve Hryniuk.  She also leaves behind her faithful pup Juno.

Born on September 16, 1965 in Timmins where she spent her early life, at 14, Stephanie moved with her family to the Ottawa area and attended A.Y. Jackson Secondary School.  She then continued to live and work in Ottawa where she happily met and fell in love with Greg.  They moved to Toronto to begin their life together.  Stephanie worked as a personnel trainer at Holt Renfrew, and then attended the University of Toronto where she earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction.

While at Holt Renfrew, Steph cultivated an appreciation of style.  She delighted in her Goyard bag as much as a great pair of shoes from Joe Fresh.  She guided and helped her friends in all matters of style for which they were always grateful.  This flair extended to her home in which she took great pride.

Later in her life Stephanie became an accomplished diver, a feat of which she was very proud.  She dove in Cozumel and Grand Cayman where she completed the 55-dive Green Shorts Challenge with “dive-buddy” and beloved friend Caroline Felstiner.  She loved the ocean, was at her most calm and peaceful when being in it, and was so very engaging when recounting her adventures.  The line-up for the mantis shrimp fan club starts behind her.

Food, music and travel were greatly appreciated by Stephanie, Greg and the children.  Whether sitting counterside at Cava Restaurant on Friday nights or hosting dinners, including the famous and well-loved “bistro nights”, she presided over and enjoyed much laughter, discussion and revelry.  Beautiful Stephanie brightened the room.

Stephanie’s favourite role in life was that of mother and wife, watching over and caring for her children and husband with tremendous strength, wisdom and love.  Sarah and Declan were Stephanie’s great pride and joy and she inspired them to be fearless in engaging with the world.  She marvelled at their poise, maturity and confidence, and in them leaves an enduring legacy.  She was the singular love of Greg’s life.

Our Steph was an extraordinarily compassionate and empathetic person; steadfast in providing love and support and a sympathetic ear to family and friends alike.  Unfailingly generous and kind, she insisted that proper respect be shown to all.  Stephanie touched many lives through her kindness, intelligence and sense of humour.  She will be missed by all – as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, niece, daughter and sister-in-law, aunt, friend.  We all mourn her leaving us far too soon.

Deep thanks and gratitude to the incredible care given to Stephanie by the entire ICU Team at Toronto General Hospital.  A celebration of Stephanie’s life will take place on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at any time from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Rosedale Golf Club, 1901 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Stephanie’s name to The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (http://www.camh.ca/), an institution whose work she admired and always supported.  Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.