E. PHYLLIS RANKIN

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E. PHYLLIS RANKIN April 22, 1908 - March 5, 2008 We are changed now, not because she left us, but because she touched us. Ageless, optimistic, curious, courageous, stylish, and stubborn, Phyllis was a lifelong teacher, perpetual student, accomplished artist, natural gardener, world traveler, ballet and symphony buff, gifted seamstress, informed conversationalist ... and, above all, a beloved sister, aunt, and loyal friend to many -- both at home and far afield. Born on Cherry Ridge Farm at Oakner, Manitoba, in 1908, Phyllis began her education attending a one-room school, later graduating from University of Manitoba Home Economics in 1929. She loved to teach. Following her graduation from Brandon Normal School in 1939 she began her teaching career at Lavinia, Manitoba, later moving to Winnipeg where she taught for 29 years in St. James-Assiniboia Division. Phyllis retired in 1971, jumping enthusiastically into a life of painting, travels, and always a special project on the go. Her favourite expression: We'll just see about that, meant action was on its way. Her last project - to reach the age of 100 - sadly remained just out of reach. Phyllis was predeceased by sisters, Jean Mitchell, Mabel Kennedy, and Esther Winckler, and by nieces, Margaret Taylor and Sheila Claridge. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her brother John Rankin and by nieces and nephews, Ken and Helen Mitchell, Lloyd and Helen Mitchell, Bill Claridge, Shirley and Ross Smith, Phyllis and Art McKenzie, Keith and Agathe Kennedy, Linda and Romano Terra, Les and Diane Rankin, Catherine Winckler, Ron Winckler, and her much loved great-nieces and nephews. A celebration of Phyllis' remarkable 99 years will be held Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 3:30 p.m. at her church, Crescent Fort Rouge United. In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to honour her may contribute to the Huntington Society of Canada (400-151 Frederick St., Kitchener, ON N2H 9Z9) or to the Endowment Fund of Crescent Fort Rouge United Church (525 Wardlaw Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0L9).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 08, 2008