Sylvia was a tremendous support in the early beginnings of Black Horses, the original carriage driving business Tracey established in the mid-2000s. From general help on the yard (yes, that included mucking out stalls!), to creating flower displays for the weddings we served, to driving the support car during those important events, Sylvia was always lending her talents to support family ventures and ultimately the survival of the Farm. Most important, she looked after a young Bailey when needed, allowing Tracey to put in the work necessary to make Black Horses successful.

Over the past twenty years, Mum has been our mainstay. A strong, feisty, and formidable woman, she was an incredible homemaker and mother to four children--Tamara, Chris and Sarah, and Tracey--and proud gran to Tia, Megan and Bailey. She loved animals, birds, and gardening, and was a welcoming presence to all who visited the Farm. Though Alzheimer's slowly took its toll on her over the past few years, family and others who knew her well held fast to the memories of who she was before it took hold: sharp, witty, full of fire and love.

In mid May 2025, Sylvia suffered a broken wrist as a result of a fall which led to a rapid and devastating decline in her health. She was admitted to hospital where Tracey and Tamara held vigil, but sadly passed away on June 2 at the age of 83. Now she's at peace, back in the arms of her husband, Sandy Alexander, the love of her life, who she missed so much since his passing in 2017. Both of them now gone ahead--forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.