Phyllis Peace Brooks

Humanity’s light of intellect and edge of wit have dimmed and dulled. Phyllis Brooks has died at the age of 102. She passed away peacefully on February 28 at Holy Cross Manor in Calgary, Alberta, surrounded by family.

Phyllis Peace Brooks always had a passion for music. She was an avid pianist from the age of 3 and later an accomplished instructor — music was in her bones. Even if her crooning to the smooth styling of Frank Sinatra’s light baritone drove her youngest daughter, Joanne, crazy some days, it didn’t matter. Music and its joy were a part of her life.

What a life! Phyllis took part in the rapid evolution of technology and kept pace! It didn’t matter that she grew up in a time where horses were the dominant mode of transportation. She got behind the wheel and learned to drive at the age of forty — basking in the freedom that came with it.

She always said, “There’s no such thing as can’t.”

Phyllis moved seamlessly from the quill to the computer, or at least it appeared seamless to those who watched, in truth, those who survive her know and admire the effort she put into learning. She never stopped. Even at 102 she had questions about the world, about the way things are, an open-mindedness to explore and ideas about how the world could be better.

Questions and ideas she often pondered while digging through the many gardens she cultivated over the years. Phyllis had a green thumb for working soil and coaxing the most stubborn of flowers to take root. Really, there was no contest — Phyllis could be more stubborn than any tree. Perennials had zero chance. Each season brought a new challenge, one she would meet gloves on and trowel in hand. Those were her peaceful times.

Raising four children while living in different communities across Canada meant not getting many of those ‘peaceful times,’ but through hardship and sunshine, she raised all four. Three of whom were by her side when the time came to rest and the fourth waited to greet her on the other side.

Phyllis Peace Brooks was born to Frank Dexter Brooks and Mary Brooks (Campbell) in Brandon, Manitoba. The youngest of four children she was predeceased by her three brothers, Angus Campbell (Cam) Brooks, John Bagsley Brooks, Frank Eugene Brooks and her son Gordon (Cam)pbell Ferry.

She will be missed by her large and loving family, Phyllis is survived by: Her children, David Ferry, Carolyn Schoepp, Joanne Ferry, and their significant others: Del Ferry and Gary Schoepp. Her grandchildren Barb, Chris, Sierra, Derrick, Shaun, Jacobi, and her great-grandchildren Emma, India, Satoshi, Hana, and Royce.

With a deep love for extended family, Phyllis stayed close with nieces and nephews and will be dearly missed by Anne, Claire, Ron, and Bruce. She was predeceased by Allan, John, Marie and Frank.

Her family would like to thank the Holy Cross Manor staff and volunteers for making her last few years an adventure even amidst a pandemic. We appreciate your care, dedication and perseverance.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Brandon, Manitoba, where Phyllis’ ashes will be interred in the family plot. The service will be made available online for those who cannot attend in person.

Phyllis loved animals, so donations to honour her life can be made to the Alberta SPCA. A dog even found and returned her dad’s teeth when she was a child — cleanest they had ever been. A favourite memory right until the end.

If you’d like to help ensure others receive quality care like she did, Covenant Care also accepts donations.

Or you could honour her by donating to a charity of your choosing. Even though her middle name was Peace, we know Phyllis would make your cause hers. She would fight by the side of those she loved — Always.