Philly,
It’s been two months since you slipped away and took your place among the stars — two months since Heaven gained you, and we lost a piece of our hearts.
To say I miss you feels far too small.
I miss your mischievous smile, your giggle, that unmistakable twinkle in your eye. Phil, you were the very embodiment of unconditional love. Even in pain, you faced each day with a courage that defied words and a grace that humbled us all.
You weren’t supposed to leave , I thought we had more time. You and Mom were meant to grow old together. But time, as always, had other plans.
Still, I believe love like yours doesn’t just disappear. It transforms. It lingers. It finds new ways to show up. I look for you in the soft morning light, in the brilliance of a sunset, in the quiet presence of a dragonfly. I feel you in the changing seasons, in the stillness, in the smallest moments.
You are free now. No more pain, no more fear.
Just peace. Just light. Just love.
I miss you deeply. I love you endlessly.
And I’ll keep looking for your signs, until we meet again.

Nurturing is the word that resonates most when I think of Phil - a kind, thoughtful and talented woman that made everyone feel welcome and at home. I will always remember how deeply she cared for those she loved and how diligently she pursued everything she set out to do, whether it was baking, decorating, hosting, or something as simple as preparing breakfast. I distinctly remember a time when Phil made me the largest and most decadent omelet I had ever seen. Though it was far too big to finish, it beautifully reflected how she went above and beyond in everything she did — even in the smallest moments — to show how much she cared and to make those around her feel loved. 

Phil, you will be so deeply missed. Your kindness, warmth, and generosity touched everyone lucky enough to know you. Your spirit will live on in the love you shared and those special memories we hold close.

Love,
Claudia

I remember well the little girl I taught when she was in Std 4 at Henry Low School, Bulawayo. She was a delightful outgoing pupil who had a radiant smile. Whatever I said she gave "Sir" her full support. I remember her mother visiting me on Parents' Day an assertive  woman who was always mindful of how Clair and Philly her twins were getting along.  God bless Philly and all her family and friends who now reflect on her contribution to the world.

Sending my deepest condolences to Mike, Shea and Matthew on the passing of your lovely wife and Mom. Also to Clair, Hilt, Sean, Des , children, grandchildren, and to the rest of the Hughes family.  Like me, I don’t think that anyone who went to school with the beautiful Hughes twins could ever forget them, even after all these  years. Philly, you moved on from this world far too soon for those left behind,  but I know that you’ll be watching over them and will live on in their hearts and in their stories for generations to come.

Tomcat my heart goes out to you and the kids mate. You must have so many fond memories from school and over the years. Praying for the family, Hilts and Clair.
Kevin Holden🙏🙏🙏

I am so very sorry for your deep loss. With love and care,
Kali, and Dave Desautels

Aunty Philly.
Even though we were miles apart you always kept Jaeden and I in your thoughts. You were never more than a message away. Always remembering our birthday’s and checking in on Jaeden showing your adoration.

Thank you for always showing us love, blessed to call you Aunty.

I know you with the Father and you will rest in peace.
Love you.

I will always remember Phil’s visits to Colleen here in South Africa. We all looked forward to it as we knew we’d be treated to some her fabulous baking. My favourite was always the Red Velvet cupcakes with a creamy filling. To the family,  we know that there will be a huge void in your lives now but little things will bring back so many wonderful memories just like the taste of those Red Velvet cupcakes. We’ll miss your visits Phil. Much love Griffin and Di 💗

May God give her eternal rest and comfort your family with peace and strength. My deepest condolences to you and your loved ones.

Mama,

Where do I even begin to express the heartache I feel, not having you here anymore.  I have an emptiness in my heart that can never be filled. 

I miss our talks, I miss your hugs, I miss our mother/daughter days, I miss your guidence... I miss you.

You were not just my mom.  You were the true embodiment of love. Your strength will always inspire me to live my life to the fullest.  You showed me the importance of kindness and the beauty of unconditional love.

I cherish the memories we have shared and the lessons you have taught me.  I will always be grateful for the role you played in shaping the person I am today.  You live on in every part of me.  I pray that the love you left behind continues to guide me, and I hope that the love I share with Logan continues to be a reflection of the love you once gave me. 

I promise to always speak your name, so that Logan will know just how special you are. 

I miss you and love you Mama. Take care of Aubrey for us.

Until we meet again.

Love your baby girl,
Shea

Phil, you’ve been such a constant in my life — always there, woven into so many of my earliest memories. I never once imagined life without you, and now that I’m here, it feels impossible to picture the world the same way.
You were love, laughter, and light all wrapped into one person. You had this incredible gift for making people feel special, for making people feel seen, valued and at ease.  Your kindness never missed a beat and you were the first to offer a compliment or words of encouragement. 
You never forgot a birthday and you were among the first to send a New Years message or send out a Christmas card. You were always reaching out, always spreading warmth, never missing a moment to show you cared.
One of my favourite things about you was that mischievous glint in your eyes when you had a cheeky thought — that unmistakable twinkle in your eye. You could never quite hide it. You were this perfect mix of naughty and considerate, full of humor and heart in equal measure. Always looking after everyone, always helping in ways both big and small.
You were so good to me, and to my family. Always thoughtful, always generous, always showing up — in ways that mattered more than you probably ever knew.
Phil, I miss you so much, for now I will see you when you visit in my dreams.
You are so loved. You always will be.

Dear mom;
I am blessed to have called you my mother.  Through your actions you were the greatest teacher in my life. You taught me to always believe In myself, to stand up for others, to be kind, to love, to be honest and to take accountability for my actions. You showed me a hard work ethic day in and day out, never taking a day off all while showering me in true unconditional love. I believe you were just teaching me that in life you get out what you put into this world, and for you it was always about your family. It seems in true fashion you would leave this world with one last lesson for us all; true bravery; the willingness to act and make difficult choices despite experiencing fear, pain, or danger, rather than the absence of fear itself. It involves confronting challenges, standing up for what is right and persevering through adversity, even when the outcome is uncertain. I know you are watching over me with a smile on your face and I am forever blessed to have you as my guardian angel. 
Love you forever and eternity Mom, 
your baby boy ; Matthew

My condolences to Mike, Shea, Matthew and family. Philly was a lovely person who fought till the end. She will truly be missed by all who knew her. I know no words can bring her back, but the memories will live on forever. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

To my beautiful sweetheart and life partner. You came into my life when we were both 16 years of age, and after our first date which happened to be a wedding, I knew you were the girl I wanted to marry and spend the rest of my life with.

Your unwavering loyalty, love and support throughout our 48 years together, and those chocolate cakes you would make for me, when we were just teenagers, just signifies when you know you know.
I want to thank you for giving us two beautiful strong children, who were and are loved unconditionally. Your ability to know what Shea and Matthew needed from a mother’s perspective, whether it was just listening to them when they needed to talk to someone, or a shoulder to cry on, they always knew they could count on you.  But they also knew your firm stance on right and wrong, which always guided them to what they needed to hear, and always left them pondering, knowing mom was right, and had their best interest at heart. This taught them to standup for themselves, and has molded then in to the adults they are today, and although they always saw you as their best friend you never blurred the lines when it came to being a mom first.

For me you were my everything, my best friend, life partner, mother of my children, grandmother of our beautiful grandson Logan, business partners and the list could go on for pages.
My sweetheart, words cannot express the loss I feel, and the hole that is left in my heart.  Life without you is going to be so hard and over whelming at times, but if we can just muster up, half the strength and selflessness you showed your family and loved ones in the last 6 months of your life, we will all be okay.

I miss you and thank you for the beautiful life we shared together, until we meet again my sweet heart.

I loved you then
I love you still
I always have
I always will

Your forever love, 

Mike

Philly/Phil/Philomena, you were so much more than a sister-in-law to me and you live on in your closest, Clair.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for our family.  I am so glad you got Clair to visit you in Canada and that you and Clair were able to be reunited when we emigrated.
You showed bravery and courage from diagnosis to the end and during that time were still concerned about others’ well being.
Mike, we go back a little while before you and Phil started dating. You lucked out with each other big time for sure.  I can only imagine what you are going through - I am here for you anytime.
Shea, Matthew, Dave and Logan, your mom and grandma was one of a kind:  kind, caring, welcoming, concerned, helpful, tough, gentle … and no nonsense.
Cherish the memories you have of this amazing woman.
Until we meet again, Phil.
Love, Hilt.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of my beloved twin sister.  We entered the World together, side by side, and though her journey here has ended, her spirit will forever remain entwined with mine.
Phil was more than a sister - she was my mirror, my confidant, and my lifelong friend.  Her love filled every room she entered.
Those who knew her will remember her kindness, her sense of humour, her passion for baking, sewing and cooking, and the way she gave so much of herself to others.
Phil handled her illness with such grace, never complaining about the pain she was in. Her concern was for her family and siblings right to the end.
Though I face the world without her hand in mine, I carry her in every heartbeat.  My twin, my sister, my forever friend - I will love you always.

To Shea, Dave, Claire, Tamryn and the rest of the family 

I had the pleasure of knowing your beloved Mom and Sister , enough to know that she was a kind, beautiful human being. 
We are so very sorry for your loss, and we wish you peace and comfort at this difficult time.  May her beautiful memories bring you solace as you try to go on without her presence.
Thinking about you all at this difficult time.
Phil... never to be forgotten 
Indra and Cee♥️♥️

My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends who have lost Philly. My brother Hilton is married to Clair, Philly's twin.
I have known Philly for most of my life. Although we did not see each other often, what struck me each and every time we were together was Philly's warmth and hospitality, as well as her wicked sense of humour!
I have been blessed to spend time with Philly and family on my trips to Canada and I was always in awe of her amazing culinary skills and passion.
I am sending all my love to all the family, today and all the days to follow. 
All my love from Durban, South Africa 
Melanie Kendall-Ball nee Goodes

Philly my sister-in-law. You fought a hard and courageous fight. Your kindness and love you had for your family never went unnoticed. I will cherish all the memories I have. R.I.P Phil. Love Darryl. 
Philly your friendship meant so much to me which I'm forever grateful. You listened never judging. Fly high with the Angels Phil. Love Wendy.

Philly, may you Rest In Peace. You will be dearly missed by us all. You were great.

Fly high Philly. Clair Michael and family our thoughts are with you

To me, Aunt Phil will always be koeksisters and tea cozies. I can hear her sweet voice in my ears now. My heart breaks for all of us who loved her, for my father and each of her siblings, especially Aunt Clair, for her husband, and for her children and grandchild. She was and will continue to be so, so loved.

Dear Mike and Family

I was so sorry to hear about Philly's passing. My heart goes out to you and the family during this incredibly difficult time.

Philly my courageous cousin although you're no longer with us, your memory and legacy will live on in our hearts. I'll always cherish the memories we shared and the impact you had on my life when l was growing up and living with Uncle Ronnie,Aunt Pam,You,Clair and Sean and the rest of the Hughes family.I am extremely grateful for the opportunity that was afforded me in being accepted into the family.

May you finally find the peace and rest you've been longing for.You were so extremely brave and positive every time l spoke to you. May your loved ones find strength and comfort in the time ahead.

Much Love to you and hugs to all in heaven.
Love
Christopher

Dearest Phil, we met in form one at high-school and you and Clair fast became two of my best friends, we experienced many happy and sad times together. You both moved away with your families to new adventures in the world, but we still remained in touch. In quite moments I often ponder on what may have been if we had all continued to live in the same country. Rest in peace my dear friend, all our thoughts are with Mike, Shea, Matthew and families, and also with Clair and all your siblings and their families. We will meet again for a great catch-up in a  coffee shop in Heaven.  Love Wendy and Steve Lea and family. X x.

A tribute to my darling baby sister Philly. You came into my life 65 years ago as a present from God.

You have always been more than just my sister, you have been my confidant, my cheer leader, my gentle voice of reason and often my source of light when things got tough. Even with 9 years between us, you have always had wisdom and warmth beyond your years.
Watching you with Andrew, Travis , Byran and our grandchildren filled me with joy.
They all adored you, your love for them, your kindness, your sense of fun and your positive attitude has greatly influenced their lives. They will cherish the memories.

I will carry your laughter in my heart and your love and hugs in my memory forever.
Thank you for being you.
We miss you terribly.
Love Colleen, Andrew and the whole Meier family.

What can I say that hasn’t been said already?  You are the heart of the family, always kind, loving and generous.  Did you know how important you are to us?
Phil, my family, my friend, I miss our chats over coffee and your homemade cookies, putting the world to rights, sharing ideas and stories with laugher and sometimes tears.  You bore your illness with strength and grace, your love for your family abounding.  You received your Angel Wings too soon, you are loved and missed beyond words.
Mike, Matt, Shea, Dave and Logan my heart breaks for you. 
Des xx

I will never forget the warmth of your home, an inviting contrast to the cold and snow that welcomed us when we first moved to Canada.  Yours and Uncle Mike's arms wrapped around us as we entered for our first Christmas here,  and many more. You always made everyone feel welcomed, and loved.  It made a difficult transition easier and safer. 

I see you and Aunty Clair making a billion gum paste flowers, and I still have a decorated Easter Bunny cookie in a tin in the kitchen. 

You protected us with masks during Covid, when there was none to be found. Your sewing was a gift, and the skirt you made me, I wore to an interview,  and I got the job, one of my first!  

You will always be a light to us in our lives, and thank you for everything you and Uncle Mike have given for your family, friends and anyone who needed. 

Your beautiful heart, bravery and love for all of us is why your loss will always be so deeply felt.

love, Shell and Kim

My deepest condolences to your family. I will always remember Phil’s warmth and the love she shared with her family and company. She was a wonderful host.  I cherish the memories of sitting with her for tea in the living room after school and our conversations. Her devotion to her children, husband, and grandchildren was always so beautifully evident. Though no words can take away the grief or fill the space she leaves behind, I hope her love and memory bring you comfort in the days ahead.

Your mom was a beautiful and fun soul. I especially remember her quick wit and clear love for family while chatting during our camping adventures. She will be missed <3

Our sincere condolences. The world has lost a beautiful light and wonderful human. She was always so lovely and kind and such a wonderful grandmother and mother. She will be missed greatly and we are thinking of you and your family. 

Most sincerely, The Swisher family (Shay’s old neighbor) xxoo

It's difficult to express our sadness and condolences in words. We are so sorry for the pain all of you must be feeling.

Phil truly embraced the statement,  'Love of Family'. One knew instantly how strong her love and commitment was to those closest to her. Over the years, we realized we had many things in common with Phil. The most important being our mutual love  for Dave, Shea and Logan.

Phil's presence will be enormously missed by all who knew and loved her.

To our beloved sister and sister in law, your light touched every corner of our family. You were our rock, our joy, and our guiding star. Even in your final days, your selflessness shone through, as you worried more about our well-being than your own. Your love held us together, and your absence leaves a void we’ll feel forever. Mike, Shea, and Matt, along with all of us, will carry your memory in our hearts always. You are deeply missed, but your love will never fade.
 Love Sean and Des
Sean and Des Hughes

To Mike, Shea and Matt, we’re so sorry for your loss. There is that modicum of comfort that Phil passed peacefully, but that does not lessen the grief we feel. Although we haven’t met for many years, we will always remember Phil’s bubbly nature and smile by the pitch-side during our conversations at Shea’s games with our Christine, and Matt’s games with Geoff. We will cherish memories of her, and hope the pain of her loss will pass with time for you. 

With sincere condolences, 
Arthur and Monica Poh

My aunty Philly was more than just family, she was a source of love, laughter, and guidance🤍. Her kindness had no limits, and her presence made every moment brighter💐. I will carry her wisdom, warmth, and unconditional love in my heart forever♥️. She will forever be missed and remembered for the phenomenal and inspiring person she was💐  Love you lots “my sweetheart”♥️ Gone but never forgotten Aunty Philly 😢

What moves through me is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more message, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before I was ready to say goodbye,  but little by little,  I begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived, and that your life gave me memories too beautiful to forget. 
Your best friend Anne.

OBITUARY

Philomena Patricia Thomas

March 2, 1960 – August 10, 2025

Burkeview Memorial Services

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