Phyllis Elaine Fabbri

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Phyllis Elaine Fabbri on June 24, 2026, at St. Boniface Hospital, with her children, Brian and Roberta, and daughter-in-law, Corinne, by her side.

She leaves to mourn her sister, Barbara Stack of Kelowna, B.C.; her brother and sister-in-law, Stuart and Linda Rowbottom of Lac du Bonnet, MB; her nieces, Amy (Jay) and Laura (Courtney), and their families; and her cousins, Leslie Smith (Robert) and Lynne Kowal, and their families. She was predeceased by her mother, Mary Rowbottom (nee James); her cousin, Richard Vincent; her cousin Lynne Kowal’s husband, Barry, and son, Michael; and her brother-in-law, Ed Stack.

Phyllis was a lifelong resident of East Kildonan, where she built a home filled with warmth and love. She took great pride in her garden, where she spent countless happy hours alongside her cat and constant companion, John. She treasured the many “over the fence” chats with her lifelong neighbours, whose friendship and support meant so much to her. She found joy in the simple things and had a remarkable gift for making family and friends feel special.

Growing up, Phyllis spent her summers at her mother’s cabin at West Hawk Lake, where she and her siblings enjoyed countless happy times with their cousins Richard, Lynne, and Leslie, and where she earned the affectionate and family-familiar nickname of ‘chicky’!

After graduating from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Phyllis chose to devote herself to raising her young family before later beginning a long career at Knox United Church, where her attention to detail and organizational skills shone brightly in her role as Church administrator. She remained at Knox United Church for the bulk of her career, before relocating briefly to Churchill Park United Church, and most recently, to the Knox Day Nursery. Phyllis truly enjoyed the latter part of her career, where enduring relationships were formed with colleagues.

In retirement, Phyllis happily filled her days with a gripping episode of Dateline, tending her virtual farm on Hay Day, cooking delicious meals (always ensuring there was never any food waste!), and, of course, doting on John. She always looked forward to get-togethers with her cousins Leslie and Lynne, and her daily phone calls with her big brother, Stuart.

Phyllis was the unofficial family historian, carefully preserving family letters, treasured heirlooms, and memories from previous generations. She loved reminiscing with her cousins about the “good old days” shared by their mothers and never forgot an important birthday or milestone, often reaching out with a thoughtful message to let someone know she was thinking of them.

She will be remembered as a thoughtful friend, a caring sister, cousin, and aunt, but above all, as a devoted mother. Everything Phyllis did was rooted in her love for her children. She expressed that love not only in words, but in the countless acts her children will forever cherish: handmade costumes, the best packed lunches and meals, clever text messages and FaceTime calls, her attention to detail, and her endless support and encouragement.

She knew she could always rely on her hardworking son, Brian, to lend a hand, and treasured the many adventures she shared with her wanderlust daughter, Roberta, from dogsledding and whale watching to pottery making.

Those who knew Phyllis will remember her quick wit, savvy nature, consideration of others, unmistakable and beautiful handwriting, thoughtfully chosen and impeccably wrapped gifts, and for being a self-described foodie.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michael Troncone for his exceptional care, dedication, and compassion throughout Phyllis’s treatment. They also wish to sincerely thank the physicians, nurses, and staff of St. Boniface Hospital’s Intensive Care Medicine Surgery Unit for the outstanding care and kindness they showed both Phyllis and her family.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private family gathering will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Phyllis’s memory may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or to a charity of one’s choice.

Though deeply missed, Phyllis will be remembered always for the love she gave so freely, the strength she showed so quietly, and the countless ways she made life brighter for those who loved her.

Perhaps one of Phyllis’s friends said it best:

“Those of us who got to know her well also knew her as a hell of a lot of fun!”