Sydney Victoria Punton
Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sydney Punton, beloved mother, daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter and friend. Sydney passed away in Winnipeg on September 19, 2025, at the age of 30. She leaves to mourn her sweet daughter, Saffiyah (Saffy) Khidir and Saffy’s father Abdullah Khidir, her parents Shannon Marion (Michel Rioux), Tim Punton (Julie Punton); her sister Courtney Punton (Coleman Rasmuson) her aunt Jocelyne Garnett (Kent Bretzlaff); her grandparents Marcelle Marion, Ray Garnett and Mona Sala, her special rescue dog and furbaby, Kyrie and numerous great aunts, great uncles, cousins, friends and neighbours.
She was predeceased by her uncle Kelsey Garnett and both her grandfathers, Pierre Marcotte and George Punton.
There was something very beautiful and inspiring about Sydney to everyone who knew her. She met the challenges of her life with courage and determination. She was a young mother who worked hard to provide for her daughter.
Sydney was a cherished daughter, sister, cousin, and dedicated friend, but most of all, she was a devoted mother. Sydney loved Saffiyah fiercely and prioritized her above all else. Saffiyah was the light of her life and their undeniable love for each other was evident to all who saw them. Saffiyah often proudly proclaimed that she had the best mom ever. Sydney enjoyed walking her dog and taking Saffiyah to the park, playdates and birthdays with friends, going to the beach or pool, and Halloween. Sydney loved music and would often drive around with Saffiyah in the car, singing together at the top of their lungs. She had an eclectic taste in music, from old school rap to all genres of music.
Sydney had a deep and abiding love for family and friends. Sydney was an honest, genuine, fierce and loyal friend who gave the most wonderful hugs. She had a special, daily bond with her sister Courtney and phoned family everyday. Sydney had a close circle of trusted confidants when she became a mother, raised Saffiyah and opened her own business. Her home was her sanctuary, where she raised her daughter and established her own lash business. She found fulfillment in her work and was appreciated by her many clients, friends and neighbours. As a true introvert and homebody, she loved waking up and going to work at home.
Sydney’s kindness and compassion was evident in her love for animals and her penchant for rescuing animals. She often joked that she preferred animals to people and she never met an animal she didn’t immediately love. Sydney’s gentle, sweet and kind-hearted nature was a perfect balm for the four-legged creatures who needed a kind and caring human to take care of them.
Sydney was a humble and grateful soul, appreciative of the people and animals in her life. Her charm, smile and laugh were disarming. Her beautiful and generous spirit was characterized by a contagious laugh and an ability to find humor in most situations, leaving a lasting and positive presence in the lives of many.
All of Sydney’s exits and departures, whether in person, by text or on calls, always ended with “Thank you” and “I love you”. Her last words to her mom, when saying goodnight, were the same two simple messages. Thank you, I love you.
Her light and fiery love remains alive in our hearts and throughout eternity. Thank you, Sydney. We love you. Rest in everlasting peace.
The celebration of life will be held with family and friends on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain, Jean-Paul Aubry Room at 340 Provencher Boulevard in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
