Phyllis Geraldine Mathews

Phyllis Geraldine Hooper was born in 1930 in Glenelg, South Australia. After her mother passed away when she was four, Phyllis was raised by her father Tom and grandmother Catherine. Her upbringing under her Victorian grandmother instilled strong values and responsibility. As a young adult, she worked as a telephonist at the GPO before meeting and marrying Ken Mathews in 1950. Following Ken’s career as a Mining Engineer, the couple lived in Mount Isa, Queensland for 24 years, where they raised three children, John, Jennifer and Leigh. Northwest Queensland provided many challenges however Phyllis’s upbringing allowed her to navigate through all of these resulting in a very stable and loving environment for her family.

In 1974 they moved to Vancouver, Canada where Ken became an associate professor and later a consultant. Phyllis supported her family through many moves, made lifelong friends, and returned briefly to Australia in the early 1980s before settling back in Canada. She took pride in her work and cared deeply for her family, especially during Ken’s illness and ultimate passing in 2007.

Throughout her life, Phyllis was dedicated, resilient, and supportive, embracing her roles as wife, mother, and grandmother. She cherished time with her growing family and valued her independence and strength, always encouraging these traits in her children. Her legacy is one of unwavering support, motivation, and love, which continues to inspire all who knew her.