Name: Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home
Address: Toronto, ON

Hi John,

Such a sweet heartfelt eulogy, wishing you and your family all the best.

Eulogy read at Mom's service assisted by Sister Joanne and brothers Bob and Bill.

-PHYLLIS MARGARET GRETTON (Jan 17, 1933  Feb 9, 2015)

Son John's thoughts on Mom, also known as: Mum, Aunt Phyl, Aunty, Phydee Up, Phyl, Mrs Gretton, Mrs G and Grandma or Gramma.
Mom, whose life began from humble beginnings. A place that was named Melville, Saskatchewan.
Mom grew up on the family farm, along with her brother John and Sisters Anne, Cecile, Helene, Mary, Kay and Isabel. She also had another brother, who passed away as a child, his name was Alfred.
Her mother's name was Bernice and her father was William (Bill). There last name was Hrycyshen.
Growing up on the farm, she and her siblings had duties to look after when they were old enough to do so. These duties had to be done daily in the mornings before school.
Mom mentioned when growing up there were always hand me downs, with respect to clothing. Waste not, want not. Kind of a Hrycyshen way of life, I guess. Everything has its use, even later in life, as I have also been able to witness first hand from my aunts as well.
I remember a small story she told me of growing up. She was in need of some shoes to do her chores on the farm. She did not have any suitable available to wear, I was lead to believe. She tells me of Grandpa looking around where he grabbed a pair of shoes given from her nearby cousin's household. These shoes had heels on them, where he quickly grabbed a large knife and sheared the heels off, then handed them to her to wear. I was like, wow, we never had to do something like that when I was growing up.
I recall the time she told me of her and her siblings having to go to school, interesting was the fact they were taken there in some kind of carriage, drawn by a horse, a horse and buggy type of thing, I guess. Mostly in the winter, I seem to recall.
There were other stories such as milking a cow and so on. The milking of the cow was shown to our family when we stopped off in Melville, on our way to Trail, British Columbia. This was for a wedding we were attending for our cousin Elaine, who married Glen. It was quite the experience to be so close to the cow and the surroundings, we had to wear boots.
Seeing this and Melville, it was not hard to understand why she came to Toronto and lived with my Aunt Anne, Uncle Art and cousin Wayne, on Joyce Boulevard.
It was in Toronto she met Jack, our father. There was no turning back, she remained in Toronto, got married and had four children, all raised in the same house on Urbandale Avenue. She worked before her first child was born and returned to work sometime after the fourth was born.
When Mom returned to the workforce, the company was called Able Lock Service. It was located nearby in Downsview. The owner's name was Frank, a kind gentleman, she obtained the job, as memory serves, through my Aunt Isabel, who worked there, and was leaving.
After a while at Able Lock, she seemed to be the person who ran it. Though only a part owner, it was her who kept it sailing along for years. During her time at Able Lock, the company was in need of a locksmith. She bent the owner's ear, probably twisted it, and got my good friend Eric a job there. At the time, Eric was my sister Joanne's boyfriend. Well, Eric's career, that Mom help start as a locksmith, is still basically what he is still doing today.
While growing up as a child with my sister Joanne and brothers Bob and Bill on Urbandale Avenue, Mom seemed to be one of the best Mom's on the street. On any given day, all our friends were welcome, almost at anytime.
My memory is, if you were one of the kids on our street, and your parents went looking for you, the first place they seem to start was at our house.
My cousin, Wayne, recently stated, and I can't say this any better, Her capacity for mothering was boundless, going well beyond myself and her children to friends, family and colleagues.
No matter what was going on, she was always cheerful.
When we had family gatherings at our house, especially in the summer, the entire family seemed to have a great time. There was always plenty of food and drink to be had. Also with numerous kids running all over the place. It was like an organized chaos of sorts. One of my favourite things, at these gatherings, was Mom's cabbage rolls, hers were the best. Just ask my cousins and friends.
When growing up as a young boy and teen, instead of video games and such, we played road hockey, mostly in our large driveway. There was also the skating rinks my Mom would make in our large back yard before the pool arrived.
There was also the makeshift neighbourhood band that frequented the house. There was Stephen, Ricky, David, brother Bob and myself.
One day, Stephen and I took off in my white Firebird and returned with a large Traynor amplifier, it took up the entire back seat, from a music store in Richmond Hill.
I seem to remember my Dad was not fond of the loud music being generated by this amplifier and hearing my Mom attempting to calm him down. Something like, at least you know where the boys are! Dad on the other hand, wished it was elsewhere.
An attempt was made by Mom to pacify Dad; she glued indoor-outdoor carpeting to the walls in the basement. Not sure it worked at all, but it remains hanging to this day.
Mom got involved in her community, her favourite was St Patrick's Anglican Church. She loved being on the Altar Guild, helping to set the church up for Sunday service.
She also helped clean up other places inside the building and outside the building, especially the garden.
She also loved to work in her garden at the house, never getting tired of doing it, till her later years. She also, believe it or not, enjoyed resurfacing her driveway regularly.  She also managed to resurface our driveway in Richmond Hill a few times over the years. She also tremendously loved the days in her pool; Mom was not a great swimmer, having an above ground pool, approximately four feet deep or so, was perfect for her. She would also welcome anyone in the neighbourhood to join her or just invite them to go for a swim, whether she was or not.
I mentioned community, Mom loved her days on the bowling team at Newtonbrook Bowlerama. Something she was able to enjoy for years. I believe she took this up after finding out how much fun her sister Isabel had bowling.
When Joanne was young and in Girl Guides, Mom took it upon herself and became one of the leaders and helped out. I also remember when growing up, and while at Northmount Junior High, just around the corner from our house, Mom became one of the volunteers to help out at the Youth Centre, for me, a bit of a drag having mom around during the Friday night dances, if you know what I mean.
Mom live a good life, longer than what she thought she was entitled to, based on events during her life.
She made it to her 83rd year, I believe she felt she had had enough. And as Frank Sinatra used to sing - She did it her way! 
And it ended for her, peacefully at home, on Urbandale Avenue.

God Bless You Mom!


John (son: 37 Connaught Ave, Toronto, Ontario)

I was so saddened to hear of Mrs. Gretton's passing, will miss her smiling face and cheerful waves, or little chats on my walks around the block. The old neighbourhood is just not like it used to be. My condolences to the family.

We were very saddened to hear about Aunt Phyllis' passing.

Her smile was contagious, her backyard birthday parties were always special occasions and her cabbage rolls were the best.

Aunt Phyl was always a fun loving person who was optimistic caring and supportive of her family and friends.

She will be sorely missed by all but always remembered in our hearts.

Cliff, Jan, Brad and Dayna Smith

These pictures take me back to the good old days when all the nephews and nieces were there for one of the grand gatherings: running around in the yard; banging on the drums; splashing in the pool; and all those great dinners. Pure chaos. 

That place ran on love, and Aunt Phyl was the heart of it. So glad to hear she had such a long life to spread her love.

In loving memory of a truly remarkable woman. Her great generosity and sunny disposition will be sorely missed by us all.

We are so sad to hear about the death of Aunt Phyllis. We will always remember her kind and generous spirit and cheerful nature. We will miss her happy laugh and newsey letters. 
We send our deepest sympathy to her immediate family.

Sorry to hear of the loss of your Mother, Phillis
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your 
Families at this time of sorrow.
Catherine Taylor and Family
Calgary Alberta

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, Phyllis.  Our condolences and sympathy to you and your family at this most difficult time.  Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.  
Love, your friends, Harvey and Rita

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, Phyllis.  Our condolences and sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time.  Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.  
Love,your friends, Harvey and Rita

As old neighbours from Urbandale, we remember with affection Phyllis, always so  impresively diligent in her gardening, fixing the car, resurfacing her driveway----and for her gracious invitations to use her backyard pool.
Such a sudden death, such a shock, but she is now in peace.
Judith & Shuichi Nagata

I'm so sorry to hear of Phyllis's passing. She was a wonderful neighbour through my whole childhood, feeding me delicious peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches on thick sliced bread for lunch when I was at public school. She was always kind and generous and happy to chat. My condolences to John, Joanne, Bob and Bill.

So sorry to hear about Aunt Phyllis. Our prayers are with you all. We will always remember her for her kindness and laughter. She could make everyones day brighter.

?Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.  Grace & Don Hrycyshen

?Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.  Grace and Don

We are so sorry to hear about the death of Phyllis.  You have our deepest sympathy.  Bert Merrett,  Gillian (Merrett) & John Forsey

We were neighbours for two short years on Urbandale, but Phyllis was the most welcoming, helpful and kind friend.  I will always remember her warm smile and deep compassion.
Sincere condolences to the family,

Marilyn and Ron Renzetti

We are shocked and saddened to learn of Aunt Phyl's passing.  Please accept our heartfelt condolences.

Aunt Phyllis was more of an older sister to me than an aunt as we were only 12 years apart. As an infant on my grandparent's farm, Phyllis helped raise me. Later, when she lived with us on Joyce during my boyhood and teen years, she continued to have a strong, positive influence on my up bringing.

Her capacity for mothering was boundless going well beyond myself and her children to friends, family and colleagues. Throughout her life, she never failed to be generous, loving and welcoming.

Her warmth and good cheer will be sorely missed.

My wife Jan and I express our condolences to her immediate family.

OBITUARY

Phyllis Margaret Gretton

17 January, 1933 – 9 February, 2015

Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes

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