Phyllis Thomson

Phyllis left us after a short illness on Sunday, November 8, 2026, a few weeks after celebrating her 99th birthday. How fortunate we were to have had her love, wisdom, and steady presence in our lives for so long.

Phyllis leaves two daughters, Anne Cameron and Lorraine Giroux (Wayne Imlay). Her grandchildren, Danielle Giroux (Nic Pozzebon), Elyse Giroux (Matt Jorgenson), Meganne Cameron (Luke Strzelecki), and Kaitlin O'Neill Powell (John), were surrounded by her love all their lives. Her great-grandchildren, Kelsey and Jamie Powell of Florida, and Clarke Bennett Jorgenson of St. Catharines and Jakub Bruce Strzelecki of Beamsville, will greatly miss their GG. Phyllis also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Clarke Thomson in 2024, her son-in-law Bruce Cameron in 2014 and her daughter Patricia O'Neill (James) in 2011.

Born in St. Catharines on October 16, 1927, to Fred and Eva Maude McLeod, she was the youngest of eight siblings and the last surviving member of her family. She became the keeper of the family's history, sharing stories and memories with younger generations.

Phyllis had a wonderful memory and could easily recall the names of many students she knew during her years as secretary to the Director of Nursing at St. Catharines General Hospital on Queenston Street, at Merritton High School, and at Brock University. In one of her final conversations, Phyllis reflected on how much she had enjoyed being part of the school community and supporting students throughout her career. Several students stayed in touch over the years, remembering the former Mrs. Riesberry with respect and affection.

An avid reader who kept up her daily habit of reading two newspapers until the end of her life, Phyllis also loved to write and had a keen eye for spelling and grammar errors. She was the first contributor to the fledgling Merritton Matters magazine 25 years ago and continued to write for it for many years, sharing stories about people she was proud to have known in the community. She was also a valued source of local history, contributing memories, details, and corrections that enriched the magazine's pages. Until the end of her life, she remained its "first reader."

She married Clarke in 1993 after they both retired from Brock University. He had researched the area with the most consistent climate in Florida, and the two of them headed there each winter with their dogs Bailey and Tess until they were in their 80s. Many happy times were spent in the south, riding their bicycles around the community, attending potlucks with good friends, and listening to Clarke's early performances as he learned the banjo and played at outdoor gatherings. During their first winter there, she researched and wrote a book about the McLeod family, then had it printed and bound before distributing copies to every family member.

She also leaves behind Clarke's children, Garth Thomson (Jayne) and Martha Fast (Cliff); grandchildren David, Eric, Laura, Jason, Nathan, Shelley, and Pierce; along with their partners and children.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Phyllis' memory to the Humane Society of Greater Niagara or Diabetes Canada.

The family will receive visitors at Hulse & English Funeral Home & Chapel, 75 Church Street, St. Catharines, on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Phyllis' memory to the Humane Society of Greater Niagara or Diabetes Canada.