Phyllis Marie Gaetz

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Phyllis Gaetz, on Saturday, August 16th, 2025, in Dartmouth General Hospital. Born in Garnish, Newfoundland, July 26, 1924, she was a beloved daughter of Thomas and Flossie (Grandy) Banfield.

She taught school for four years in Newfoundland before immigrating to Canada (North Sydney) in 1947. She was employed at the Royal Bank in North Sydney, Halifax and the Royal Bank Agency in New York until 1955. Returning to Canada in 1960, she became an employee of the Bank of Nova Scotia from 1969, until her retirement in 1987.

A devout member of Christ Church, Dartmouth, Phyllis sang in the choir, was Diocesan Treasurer of the Anglican Church Women (ACW) of Nova Scotia, The Ethel F. Stevens unit (ACW) at Christ Church. She was also involved with the Metro Food Bank (now Feed Nova Scotia) from the beginning at Christ Church, until her retirement. She was also a long-standing member/convener of the Order of St. Luke the Physician and held neighbourhood Bible study weekly at her home for over 16 years. Phyllis was an avid tole painting crafter and an active member of the Bluenose Decorative Artists Society of Halifax/Dartmouth. Phyllis also travelled extensively with her second husband, Cameron, in Canada, the United States, and Bermuda.

She is survived by her daughters, Lynn Landry (Paul), and Catherine MacNutt (Doug); granddaughters, Kristina Landry, Jacquelyn (Jonathan) Cumminger, and Alexandra Landry; and sister Pauline (Robert) Power (children: Mary Ellen, Anne, Janet) ; niece Marla (Corey) Regan.

She was predeceased by her parents; first husband, Harold Snow (2009); second husband, Cameron Gaetz (2002); brother Merle Banfield (1976); sister-in-law Marie (children: Robert, Tommy and Karen); nephew Tom Power; and an infant daughter (1953).

Many thanks to her community of Christ Church, her neighbourhood friends, extended family and friends. Specific thanks to Beth Vandenberge for her loving care; The Berkeley, Dartmouth; Dr. Costa, Dr. Molar, Dr. Johnston and the caring nurses at Dartmouth General Hospital.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2025, from 2-5 p.m. at A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home located at 217 Portland Street, Dartmouth, NS.

Funeral Service will be held Monday, September 1st, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at Christ Church, 61 Dundas Street, Dartmouth, NS, Rev. Dr. Kyle Wagner officiating. Interment will take place in the Columbarium at Christ Church. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

Family flowers only. Donations may be made to Christ Church Food bank. <https://www.christchurchdartmouth.com/givedonate.html>

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” -Phillipians 4:14