Phyllis Jones

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Phyllis Jones. She was a warm hearted and well-liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Phyllis was a talkative person who typically said what she meant.

She was the daughter of Alice and Oliver Boyle and was raised on a large farm in Aurora, Ontario. During her childhood, she learned to be reliable and respectful. Phyllis was a hard-working child who was a born care-giver, always taking care of chores, animals and family. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Phyllis's personality throughout her life.

Though Phyllis was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Being the middle sibling, Phyllis was a caregiver and peace-maker, with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Phyllis worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Phyllis was raised with eleven siblings. She had Marni, Jean, Olive, Marion, Isobel, Harold, Gordon, Lloyd, Jimmy, Albert and Garnet. Because there were so many in their family, they had to share the few toys they owned. They made up their own baseball and hockey teams, and enjoyed skating on their private pond. Phyllis and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of her experiences, Phyllis was always enthusiastic about new adventures. One thing Phyllis will certainly be remembered for is that, when she got up in the mornings, she was ready and raring to go. As a young girl growing up on a large farm, Phyllis was an active child. She preferred to do the outdoor farm chores, looking after the livestock and crops, but excelled at pie baking and housekeeping as well. For fun, Phyllis loved to dance, swim, skate and play baseball. She loved to go, by horse and buggy, to dances at Musselman Lake, with Morley and her brothers and sisters.

For Phyllis, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion and she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Phyllis was adept at details and school work came easily to her. Phyllis was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She enjoyed some courses more than others like art and science, which would both continue to play a large part in her life. She was accomplished at everything she tried.

There was one thing that all of Phyllis's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Phyllis was such a popular person throughout her life. But Phyllis was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Phyllis was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Phyllis was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Phyllis was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Phyllis was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion, such as family showers, parties and card game evenings with friends. Everyone was made to feel welcome in her home, with lots to eat and drink. When Phyllis made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, her best friends were her bothers and sisters and during their marriage, her and Morley made lasting friends that played a large part in their lives. Her co-workers remained loyal to her into her retirement.

Phyllis was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Phyllis cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. Compassionate and devoted, Phyllis worked hard to make her husband Morley happy. They were inseparable for their thirty-one years of marriage together. He was her only love and no one could ever take his place.

Harmony was important to Phyllis and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Phyllis and Morley were blessed with four children, two sons, Terry and Jeff, and two daughters, Bonny and Janie. They were also blessed with ten grandchildren, Marni, Jennifer, Coby, Evan, Jordan, Kristiana, Natalie, Kelly, Kaelyn and Madeline. Phyllis was always conscious of others feelings. She was a good listener, who was reasonable and understanding. You could always go and talk out your troubles with her, right up to her last days. As a result, Phyllis was quick to solve problems and give advice and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Phyllis would listen and take the time to really think before she would give out her wise advice.

Taking her work seriously came naturally to Phyllis, and she expected the same from those around her. She was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Phyllis was a steady, hard worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Phyllis handled well. She was a problem solver. who could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was a Registered Nurses Assistant and was employed for 25 years by Markhaven Nursing Home. She brought fun and laughter to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues. She was a compassionate nurse, always giving extra of herself to make the residents feel loved and cared for.

A methodical woman, Phyllis enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were oil painting, dancing, bowling, knitting, gardening and card playing. Her beautiful oil paintings hung throughout her home and were admired by all who viewed them and everyone had a pair of her knitted slippers.

Phyllis was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Phyllis was always a great team player and in high school, played baseball and enjoyed recreational sports including bowling, dancing, and swimming. She was a huge sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays were tops on her list and she would “coach” them with enthusiasm.

Her high moral standards and traditional values served Phyllis well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of St. Philip's Anglican Church, in Unionville, for 9 years when her children were young and later, joined Grace Anglican Church, in Markham. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

A generous and compassionate woman, Phyllis accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, she was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included her bowling trophies.

Not only did Phyllis enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included camping in Algonquin Park, her three sisters’ cottages in Haliburton, and her wonderful western Canada vacation with Morley for their thirtieth anniversary.

Phyllis was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Brownie, a Maltese Terrier, that she had for 7 years and Rex, a Manchester Terrier, who was a best friend for 10 years. Her family was rounded out by her cat B.C., and she cherished and cared for all of the pets that her children had in their homes.

Since it was easy for Phyllis to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Phyllis was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1991. Her new life involved relocating to Cambridge. In retirement, she found new pleasure in oil paintings, ceramics and knitting. Even in retirement, Phyllis stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community of her condo and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her. After moving to Queen’s Terrace Retirement Home, Phyllis remained active and involved with her neighbours and continued with all of her hobbies and sport enthusiasm.

Phyllis passed away from old age on August 29, 2016 at Morriston Park Nursing Home. She was 96 years old. She is survived by her children, Terry, Bonny and Janie, all ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren Teviah, Eli, and Ezrah. Services were held at Dixon-Garland Funeral Home, Markham, Ontario. Phyllis was laid to rest in Highland Memory Gardens, Willowdale, Ontario.

Phyllis was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Phyllis was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Phyllis Jones.

JONES, Phyllis Velma (nee Boyle)

Passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 29th, 2016 at the age of 96. Cherished mother to Terry (Dianne), Bonny Dowdell-Zukowski, Jeff (1996), Janie (Danny) Ingrouville. Loving Grandma to Marni, Jennifer, Coby, Evan, Jordan, Kristianna, Kaelyn, Madeline, Natalie, Kelly and their families. Family will receive friends T. Little Funeral Home & Cremation Centre 223 Main Street on Friday September 2nd for visitation from 2-4 and 7-9pm.

Visitation and Service will take place on Saturday September 3rd at DIXON-GARLAND FUNERAL HOME 166 Main Street (Markham) (905-294-2030). Visitation will be from 1-2pm. Service to follow at 2pm.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

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JONES, Phyllis Velma (nee Boyle)

Passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on August 29th, 2016 at the age of 96. Cherished mother to Terry (Dianne), Bonny Dowdell-Zukowski, Jeff (1996), Janie (Danny) Ingrouville. Loving Grandma to Marni, Jennifer, Coby, Evan, Jordan, Kristianna, Kaelyn, Madeline, Natalie, Kelly and their families. Family will receive friends T. Little Funeral Home & Cremation Centre 223 Main Street on Friday September 2nd for visitation from 2-4 and 7-9pm.

Visitation and Service will take place on Saturday September 3rd at DIXON-GARLAND FUNERAL HOME 166 Main Street (Markham) (905-294-2030). Visitation will be from 1-2pm. Service to follow at 2pm.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.