Phyllis Cary Rose

of 93. Phyl is survived by her two sons, Jim Rose (Connie) and Bruce Rose (Karen)

and four grandchildren: Laura (Brett), Emily, Michael and David. Ron, her beloved

husband of 54 years, predeceased her on July 18, 2009.

Phyl was born in North Tonawanda, New York to Sidney and Bessie Cary on June 15,

1928. She was one of six siblings and the youngest of three sisters. Her parents

encouraged their daughters to pursue higher education. Phyl graduated from the

University of Rochester in 1950 and in 1951 completed Radcliffe College’s Management

Training Program. At the time, Harvard University did not admit women to their MBA

program and women had to attend the “sister” school, Radcliffe College, for the degree.

Phyl was enormously proud of her academic achievement and maintained a keen

interest in business and commerce her entire life.

With her newly minted degrees, Phyl landed a job with General Electric in Cincinnati,

Ohio. It was in Cincinnati where she met an engineer and former naval officer who

became the love of her life. Phyl and Ron married on May 7,1955 at her parents home

in North Tonawanda. The 81st Kentucky Derby also took place on May 7th and it kicked

off the Rose’s legendary annual Derby Day parties. They were much anticipated

occasions and family and friends came from far and wide to celebrate Derby Day with

Phyl and Ron.

Early in their marriage, Ron’s work took him to Canada and in 1959 the family moved to

Thornhill, Ontario. Phyl and Ron bought a new house in a new subdivision and soon

began putting down roots in the community and forging lifetime friendships. Phyl’s

parents had a family cottage on an island near Byng Inlet on Georgian Bay and the

family spent many happy days at the cottage every summer. Phyl’s famous blueberry

pies also had their origins in cottage country - lovingly made from buckets of tiny little

berries harvested in bear and snake country with swarms of mosquitos swirling about.

During the Thornhill years Phyl was busy raising two young boys but she also managed

to start a cottage sewing business, “Sew Rare”, with other ladies from the

neighborhood. Phyl’s holiday cookie baking also became a Christmas ritual during the

Thornhill era. Every year until 2020, Phyl baked dozens of Christmas cookies which she

gifted to everyone she cared about….. boxes went in the mail to loved ones far away,

plates of ‘favourites’ went to dear friends, trays were delivered to anyone who showed

her a kindness. Phyl’s homemade baking was an expression of gratitude and affection

to all the people she held dear in her life. (Many thanks to Alex and Griffin who helped

her carry on the baking tradition the last few years.)

After her sons were grown and Ron had retired, Phyl and Ron began a new chapter in

Huntsville, ON. Grandview Resort was being developed and Phyl’s warm manners and

sociability made her a natural sales agent for the project. Phyl and Ron enjoyed condo/

resort life at Grandview and lived there 13 years before they moved on to new

challenges in Bracebridge. Phyl became the sales agent for a new subdivision in

Bracebridge. She and Ron built a house in the subdivision and they meticulously

customized every feature of the home. Since Phyl was a sales agent for the

development, she was able to meet all of her new neighbours. Phyl’s Bracebridge

neighbours became friends and she was exceedingly grateful for their presence in her

life.

Sadly, Ron was diagnosed with Alzheimers shortly after their move to Bracebridge. Phyl

was his loving and devoted caregiver and because of her steadfastness, he was able to

live his days at home.

Phyl cherished her good friends and she maintained long term friendships that spanned

decades. There were many, many good times and exhilarating travels with those

special friends. Phyl also nurtured her relationship with family members. For years she

never missed a phone call to her brother Donald and she was an engaged, loving Aunt

to her nieces and nephews. Phyl could not have been more proud of the fine men her

sons became and her grandchildren held a special place in her heart.

No ceremony is currently planned due to Covid restrictions, but we welcome people to

leave a message or share a memory or photo online at https://

www.hendersonsabbotsfordfunerals.com. In Phyl’s honour we have set up a memorial

fund with the Muskoka Community Foundation to award an educational bursary to a

deserving Bracebridge student who will be attending a postsecondary institution.

Donations can be made at https://muskokacommunityfoundation.ca/make-a-donation/

by following the links to the “Phyllis Rose Education Fund”.