Myrna Charlotte Philpot (Nee: Early)

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Myrna Philpot after a lengthy illness at St Boniface on April 24. 2026 at the age of 89.

Myrna loved her family. She grew up in Transcona – a neighbourhood her Grandfather helped establish – with her Parents, Buster and Alvina, and her three siblings, Suzanne, Audrey, and Ron. She spent her childhood there except for two years she spent living in a convent school during the war while her mother worked at an Armament Factory.

Myrna met Jack while they were both working at Eaton’s. After dating for a short time they got married on September 22, 1956. Myrna and Jack liked to travel together, go to restaurants or go fishing (before she discovered her horror of bugs). They were delighted to grow their family, first with the adoption of Gary and then with the birth of Alan.

Myrna thought the world of her sons- their spirited humour, their strength of character, their loving care. She was so proud of the very good men they became and often regaled her friends with stories about what great thing they had done recently. Their childhood was filled with her peanut butter cookies (recipe right off the Kraft peanut butter jar), very plain spaghetti with meat sauce and pats of butter and pepper (honestly, it’s so much better than it sounds), and roast that was black on the outside and grey all the way through (her gravy was amazing, though). Myrna loved to paint ceramics. Her light-up Christmas trees were a holiday tradition.

Myrna was so happy to become a Grandmother. Myren, Kai (Gary’s kids) and Brooklyn (Alan’s Kid), were bright spots for her. She always had popcorn twists and guava candies on hand to spoil them. Their artwork and photos were always on display. She loved to hear them talk about what they had going on in their life.

Myrna loved being around family. She loved dinners and family gatherings with her siblings. She and Suzanne travelled to Florida together for sisters’ trips. Myrna was thrilled when her brother Ron and his wife Elaine moved into her building. She was happy to have them close. Myrna and Audrey talked frequently.

Myrna valued her lifelong friends. While working for the NDP, Myrna met Lily and Ed Schreyer, and there began a friendship that lasted many decades. They were fast friends to the end. Myrna and Jack even travelled to visit the Schreyers and their family, several times to Rideau Hall (including once for Jack and Myrna’s anniversary) and to Australia, trips that were dear to Myrna’s heart. Merry Didur was often visiting and calling (even from far-flung places) connecting with Myrna and uplifting her spirits. Kathy and Bruce Dwornick were always ready to go for lunch with Myrna. Myrna always appreciated her friends had time for a visit, a phone call, to drop off a home-cooked meal, or take a trip to the casino so Myrna could play some slots. Joan Valiquette, baseball and bowling buddy and Judy Turiff, casino tripper and lunch date were terrific friends to Myrna as well. Truly wonderful friends.

Myrna is survived by her son Gary, and three grandchildren. She was predeceased by her Husband Jack, and Son Alan.

A casual come-and-go get together will be held in the MPR on the 4th floor at1179 Rothesay (Ruth Gardens Apartments) on May 14, between 7:00 and 9:00. Please pop by to share some stories about Myrna. Please dress casually.