PHYLLIS ANNE PAULSEN (BAJUS)

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PHYLLIS ANNE PAULSEN (nee BAJUS) Peacefully on Sunday, October 20, 2013, Phyllis passed away at her home in Oakbank at the age of 77 years after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her loving husband John, their four children, and eight grandchildren who all live in this part of Manitoba - Rick, his wife Terri and their boys, Dusten, Brandon and wife Megan; daughter Kelly and her girls Katie and Laura; daughter Danica, her daughter Valerie and son Andrew; son David, his wife Michelle and their daughters Sydney and Brooke. Also surviving are her older brother Don and his wife Bev who live in Minneapolis. Phyl was born in Neepawa, MB on January 15, 1936, the second child of Al and Vera Bajus and maintained close ties with a number of friends from her skating, dance, school activities before her move to Winnipeg in 1954. There she completed the hair dressing and beautician training course that was, for her, just training in another art form. Her school text books had been full of sketches, illustrations and caricatures. As this interest grew over the years she filled our home with her art and craft work - paintings, cut glass, needle work, clothes and fun costumes for herself and the kids all done with her unique style and flare. In the 70s and 80s, a good friend Joan Dyson and Phyl operated the 3 Blind Mice, a popular craft shop near Oakbank. Gathering material for this shop allowed them to meet and get to know many of the very talented local arts and crafts people. Sharing these interests with like-minded friends led to the formation of the Magnificent Seven group that has worked together, experimented together and had a lot of fun together over the years. Since her marriage to John in 1956, Phyl played a very active supporting role in his work - both in Canada and overseas. Six family moves in Canada, a three year and a two year relocation to Ghana meant a lot of extra work for her including managing home schooling for the kids. In addition, Phyl accompanied John on short term assignments and promotion travel in Africa, East Africa and Asia. She liked the local people, got to know a lot about them and their lives and was a tremendous ambassador for our business and for Canada. Along with all these interests Phyl's first love has been her children and grandchildren, watching and being part of their development. There were many good times in front of the fireplace, around the piano, at the pond, with the horses and other animals, sleigh rides and the arrival of the new foals. Special time spent with her grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by the family and all of her friends! A special thank you is extended to all who have been involved in her care and support over the years. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, November 2, 2013 at Oakbank United Church, 582 Balsam Crescent with Rev. Cathy Kinsman officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Phyl's memory may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, to the Friends of Birds Hill Park, or to the charity of your choice. www.seasonsfunerals.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 26, 2013