After 93 full and wonderful years, Gwendolyn Isobel Phillips of Guelph passed away on June 4th, 2023 with her family by her side.
Gwen is remembered with huge affection by her children - Michael (Sandra); Jeff (Janet); Anne; and Cathy; as Grammy by Daniel, Emily, Robert (Sam), Rachel (Sia), Vicki, Ian, Eric, Nicole and Alexis and great grandchildren Gwen and George; and as Aunt Gwen to the children of her much loved siblings Helen Dick (Rendall) and George Jefferson (Carol Anne).
While Mom loved many things- there are two that top the list - Jim Phillips (who passed in 2022), her husband for 67 years and her date since high school; and Owen Sound - her hometown - the place where so many of her life long friendships began and the place she returned to for family summers at Big Bay.
Mom often said she lived two lives, one as the young wife to Jim whose studying and work kept him out for long hours while Gwen raised two young boys in tiny apartments in Kingston, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal; and a second as Dad’s career led them to Guelph which mom described as a long drink of cool water, where the two girls and a dog rounded out family life on Ardmay Crescent. Later in life she stepped with such pleasure into the role of Grammy including babysitting, driving to music lessons, cheering on school assemblies or kids’ hockey games. Times with grandchildren typically ended with a treat at the Dollar Store, Winners or With the Grain.
Mom worked hard as Head Girl at highschool; as a young kindergarten teacher; as a mom who ensured there were homemade yogurt and cookies and wonderful Sunday dinners. Over the years, her calendar was filled with the 77 Westmount gang, with Ardmay friends, with the “out to lunch bunch” and Big Bay cottaging. She was a charter member of Trinity United Church and drove herself to services until last month. She liked to say she was an expert skier if she was on the intermediate runs and a beginner yoga student for life. For any of life’s activities, Mom showed up well dressed and happy to reveal the deal she got on the outfit. Mom knew the meaning of commitment without worrying about competing, an approach that kept her healthy into her 90’s. Other healthy habits included an ice cream cone for lunch at the Big Bay dock and a pre-dinner drink with Dad.
We will deeply miss our Mom, Grammy, Aunt Gwen and friend.
The Phillips family would like to thank Hospice Wellington, Guelph General Hospital 4 West, and Dr Hood for the excellent care provided.
Resting at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Hart Chapel at 1099 Gordon Street in Guelph. Cremation has taken place. Friends and family are welcome to attend a visitation on Tuesday, June 20th from 1 pm to 3 pm. A service will follow in the Hart Chapel at 3:30 pm.
An Owen Sounder to the end, mom will be laid to rest with a family interment at Greenwood cemetery on June 25th.
People wishing to honour Gwen’s life can make donations to Hospice Wellington, Trinity United Church or you can buy a friend an ice cream cone.
Donations can be made in person at the funeral home by cash or cheque or online following the link below her obituary.