Obituary of MARGARET EDNA RUTH PHILLIPS

PEGGY PHILLIPS  

 

With saddened hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother Margaret Edna Ruth “Peggy” Phillips (Earle) on December 3, 2021. We are so very thankful for all that she meant to so many and for the full life that she lived. She never put on an outfit without a matching Butterfly Brooch.

 

Left to mourn her is son Russell (Joyce), daughter Marion (Lawrence), her precious grandchildren Jeff (Tracy), Laura (Cam), Johnathan (Kelsey) and Heather (Matt) and six great-grand-children.

She was predeceased by her brother Allan, her sister Joy and her beloved husband Norm.

 

Mom was born October 23, 1931  Her family eked out an existence on the farm until she was 10 years old when they moved to the city so she could begin school.  She began working at 12, cleaning houses, laundry. At 14 she started working at the North Kildonan market gardens. She was then employed at Eaton’s bindery department and at 16 she started full time in the Complaint Department. It was then she quit school to help with family finances. Many years later Mom proudly received her G.E.D. 

 

It was about the same time that Mom joined the Kildonan Canoe Club where she paddled, swam, and made many lifelong friends.  One such friend who she knew for 75 years was her treasured Mary.  She had so many great times and memories of the Canoe Club and the group of wonderful friends.

 

At Eaton’s Mom’s friend Gerry had a tall friend that needed a date... it was to be our dad. Dad worked at Eaton’s too in the Toy department. It was nearing Christmas and any toys needing repairs Dad had the okay to fix. Then he and Mom wrapped them and gave them to needy children. That was when Mom became a Christmas fanatic. In later years, our home was like a beautiful snow globe at Christmas where there was never a shortage of gifts from this generous lady.

 

Mom continued to work at Eaton’s until she was expecting her first child. She again went back to Eaton’s on a part-time basis and once both her children were in school full time, she took a job with the City of Winnipeg where she retired in 1991, as the Permits Clerk in District 1.

 

Mom was a talented seamstress and crafter.  She was also fascinated by graphology and enjoyed studying people’s handwriting. She studied reflexology and treated a number of friends and family. She enjoyed watching sports curling, tennis which she had played when younger but especially the Blue Bombers who kept her on the edge of her chair many a game.

 

Once retired, Mom and Dad spent many a summer travelling in their RVs enjoying trips to the east and west coasts as well as a trip through the southern US. They both remained very active in the Order of Eastern Star, where Peggy served as Worthy Grand Matron for the Jubilee Chapter.   One of Mom’s favourite places was their trailer at Ingolf, Ontario. Many great weekends were spent surrounded by family and friends. She loved playing cards and was quite good at Bridge. She had a wicked sense of humour and was always ready with a gag or playful moment. Mom had a great interest in people’s stories, current events and was forever interested in politics. She enjoyed a challenging discussion and was knowledgeable in myriad of topics. She had a deep and abiding faith that she relied upon greatly throughout her life.

 

Mom was gently cared for over the past couple of months by the compassionate staff of the Charleswood Care Center, and during the three months prior, the caring staff at Victoria Hospital 5th Floor South.

 

A celebration of Peggy’s life will be planned for a future date when health regulations have been relaxed and conditions are more conducive to gathering.

 

Flowers and cards are gratefully declined.  Please donate to your favourite charity.

 

The Butterfly is a symbol of the Soul

Transformation and Rebirth

Fly Beautiful Butterfly