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MARY (MERRIE) PHILLIPS We celebrate the life of a very special woman - our mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mary (Merrie) Phillips (nee Davidson) who passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Sunday, May 22, 2016. Our mother's passion and joy was her family: Diane (Jim), Don (Shirley), Edda, Jim (Cecile), and Tom (Terry); her 12 grandchildren - Sean (Debbie), Jenny, Andrea, Michael (Annika), Melanie (Dwayne), Chuck (Bethany), Andrew, Laura (Dave), Rohan (Christine), Matthew (Joy), Kathie, Jeff (Joanna); and 15 great-grandchildren - Carter, Bryce, Aiden, Leah, Jacob, Tyler, Quentin, Austin, Jax, Piper, Isla, Riley, Gillian, Chloe, and Avery. She will also be missed by many special nieces and nephews. Mom was predeceased by her husband, Wib, her sister, Anne Lockhart, her brother Dave Davidson, her mother and father, Phoebe and Alexander Davidson. Mom was born in Winnipeg on June 10, 1920. She grew up in Norwood and later during the Second World War, served as a nurse in the Navy (WRENS) where she met Dad, Wilbert Jackson Phillips, a soldier in the Army, who was her patient in the hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They were married in Sydney, Nova Scotia in 1947, moved to Fort Frances, Ontario and eventually to Norwood where they raised their five children. Active in the community and a longtime member of Norwood United Church, Mom returned to the workforce later in life to the Canadian Wheat Board. When retirement came, Mom and Dad moved to their dream home in Lac du Bonnet on the Winnipeg River for nine years, after which time they resided in Riverside Estates on St. Anne's Road. After celebrating 50 years of marriage, Dad passed away in 1997 and Mom moved to Dakota House, then to the Rosewood and most recently, Pembina Place Mennonite Personal Care Home. Mom's legacy to us (as well as her numerous creations of love - sewing, knitting and crocheting) was her beautiful smile, her incredible patience, her kindness, her generous spirit and her enduring love of family. The family wishes to thank the fine staff at Pembina Place for their compassionate care. We extend a special thanks to companions and friends, Leanne Peters and Mary Lou Pinette. In keeping with Mom's wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or to a charity of one's choosing. Mom leaves us with these words of wisdom: "Be kinder than necessary for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly...leave the rest to God. Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain." (M. Henoch) The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2016
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Mary was my sweetest friend, dressed with class and always a necklace! She had the kindest spirit and her Big smile is implanted in my memory and on my heart. We sure had many great times and walks together.She Loved her sweets especially cake. Each visit was truly a pleasure and I felt Blessed each time. Hats off to each family member for their hands on visits and care ! I'm so sorry for this loss but I Thank- you for allowing me to be a part of your family. Take good care,Leanne - Posted by: Leanne Peters (Companion) on: Jun 08, 2016
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Dear Diane, Don, Edda, Jim, and Tom, Twice our family, the Mourants, and the Philips family paths have crossed. First as founding families of little Trinity United Church on Deniset Street. We were children then. Our parents were very active and I do remember your father too, as the most handsome man in the congregation or was it my mother Emma who told me that. Next, and more recently, when we moved our parents to Dakota House in 2006....And there was your Mom, across the hall on the main floor. She was always beautifully turned out and there were many informal meetings in the hallway. A most lovely lady. Sincerely, Louise - Posted by: Louise Townsend (Family Relationships) on: Jun 05, 2016
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Diane, we are thinking of you and your family......wishing you peace and comfort at this sad time. My sister Suzanne & I (Chris) would often see you and have a nice chat at Pembina Place where our mom, Yvette resided. We will always remember your mom as being so beautifully dressed and we loved her quick, polite wit and comments. The loss of a mother leaves a heartache no one can heal, however her love leaves a memory no one can steal. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Most sincerely, Suzanne (Sue) and Chris - Posted by: Christine Carpenter (Friend to Diane) on: Jun 02, 2016
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On behalf of my Mother and Our Family our Sincere sympathy to all your Family we have known you all a long time and your Mom was a kind and truly lovely lady and good friend. She lived a long and good life. - Posted by: Lorraine & Bill Yasinski (Millier) (Friends ) on: May 29, 2016
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It is with great sadness that we hear of Merrie's passing. We always looked forward to her Christmas letters filling us in on all the family's adventures and endeavours. Merrie was very kind to us on the few occasions we were able to see her. She raised a wonderful family. We send our sincere condolences to you all. Remember the fun, laughter, lessons and love she shared with you. - Posted by: Darrell and Lynn Ferguson (Nephew of Merrie's and wife) on: May 28, 2016