Remembering a Markham trailblazer

Remembering a Markham trailblazer for her enduring legacy on and off the ice

Statement from Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti on the passing of Sylvia Jacobs

On behalf of the Members of Council and the City of Markham, I would like to offer heartfelt condolences to the family of Sylvia Elizabeth Anne Jacobs who passed away on April 10 at the age of 90.

Sylvia was a fixture in the Thornhill sports community. Her persistence and determination led to the formation of the Thornhill Islanders Hockey Club, now known as the Markham Islanders in 1980. She would go on to become one of the first women to serve as general manager of a minor hockey club in the greater Toronto area. The club would play its games in the Greater Toronto Hockey League, allowing players an opportunity to play closer to home. Sylvia also had a mission to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability could play the sport she loved. In 1986, Sylvia formed the Ontario Sledge Hockey Association. The Association has become the governing body for sledge hockey in our province and a member of Hockey Canada with over 400 players.

A recipient of many honours, Sylvia was presented the prestigious George Chamandy Memorial Trophy from the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) and was a recipient of the Prime Minister of Canada’s Certificate of Merit and Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship from the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

Her contributions to our community were immense and her legacy will never be forgotten. Official flags at Thornhill Community Centre will be lowered in her honour and memory. May she rest in peace and her family be comforted by warm memories and the appreciation and gratitude from our community.