Phyllis Reubena Garneta Elwell (Harness)

Phyllis passed away at the Victoria General Hospital at 11:20 a.m. on January 20, 2016 at the age of 97 years. She was predeceased by her mother, Bernice; her father, Roy; her infant granddaughter, Judith Anne and her dear husband, John in 1998.  She is survived by her loving daughter, Norma Keeler (Rod); grandsons, Dave and Brian (Beckie); grandchildren, Laurel (10), Aiden (9) and Cohen (5).  She also leaves her sister-in-law, Rosemary Elwell and nephews, Tony Elwell, Tim Elwell (Lynn) and Geoff Elwell as well as numerous beloved cousins.

Phyllis was born in Carnduff, Saskatchewan on January 2, 1919 in her grandmother’s farmhouse. Her grandmother was the midwife.  She grew up on a farm and took her nurses training program at the Brandon General Hospital.  After receiving her RN Diploma, Phyllis did private duty for a year and then worked for the Bigelow Clinic for a couple of years.  During that time, she met a serviceman, John, at a dance.  When John was discharged from the Air Force, they were married in her home on the family farm in Carnduff on August 16, 1945.

Phyllis and John settled in Victoria, BC and on May 30, 1947, their daughter, Phyllis Norma was born. The family ventured into farming on the family farm for a short time. Phyllis returned to the nursing profession when Norma was 6 years old, first working at Clovelly Private Nursing Home for two years and then worked at the Veteran’s Hospital (later to be called Memorial Pavilion) for twenty one and a half years.  In time, she became the Head Nurse of Kenning 2.  After retirement, Phyllis worked part-time for three more years.

Pyllis was a lover of family, life, animals (particularly dogs), music, dance, travel, friends. She was involved with serving meals at the Open Door, she helped with making teddy bears with the “Canada Comfort Crew”, she sang with the Arbutus Chapter of the Sweet Adelines and was in the Gordon United Church Choir and she always had a song going on in her head.  She played the piano by ear.  She was a wonderful homemaker, cook and hostess.  She was a giver in this life, never asking for anything in return.  Phyllis loved her family and took an intense interest in the grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s well being.  She and Norma were extremely close.

After retirement, Phyllis and John took numerous trips and cruises and enjoyed staying at their property at Bowser, BC.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Alexander Mackie Lodge for all the love and concern extended to Phyllis and her family over the past three years and much appreciation goes to The Beacon Home Care staff who cared for Phyllis with so much compassion. Also to Dr. Stanwood, her dedicated G.P. who dealt with mom with so much dignity.  Our thanks to the wonderful doctors and staff of 6C North at Victoria General Hospital.  Thank you for allowing our family to work as a team with you to ensure that Phyllis’s last days were peaceful.  To Rod, Brian and Beckie for your enduring support and to Dave, who stayed with his grandma night and day for the last ten days so she wouldn’t be alone.  Thank you.  She so appreciated the visits of Reverend Heidi, Diane, Betty, Marion, Pamela and Ruth as well as her loving relatives.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Gordon United Church, 935 Goldstream Avenue at 2:00 pm on Sunday, February 28, 2016 with Reverend Heidi Koschzeck officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gordon United Church, 935 Goldstream Avenue, Victoria, BC V9B 2Y2 or the SPCA.

Phyllis did not want her picture with her obituary but her wonderful smile will live in our hearts forever.  We love you Mom, Grandma and GG.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com