Phyllis shared 69 loving years of marriage with her husband, Maurice McIlwrick. Together, they raised five children and created a home that always welcomed others. She is survived by Maurice; her sister June Harvey; her children Lennie McIlwrick, Brenda Blain, Dale McIlwrick, Debbie Langhan, and Karen Kinney; as well as 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister Joyce Hansvall.

After raising her family in Medicine Hat, Phyllis and Maurice moved to Windermere in 1970 for the opportunity to help run a truck stop restaurant owned by her mother-in-law. Life was busy — raising children, cooking for crowds, and hauling water for baths and laundry — but Phyllis handled it all with grace. She later worked for 15 years at Lambert/Kipp Pharmacy before retiring.

Phyllis was a natural hostess and caregiver. She loved cooking, baking, canning, gardening, sewing, and crocheting, and was always happiest when caring for others. She was deeply involved in her community, spending many years with the Lady Lions Club, the Red Hat Club, and the local curling club. At home, she enjoyed card games like 31, bridge, canasta, and solitaire.

An avid camper and traveler, Phyllis cherished family trips across Canada and the United States, adventures to Yellowknife, and a special trip to Maui, where she fell in love with the sea turtles. For the past two years, she resided at Ivy House in memory care, where she was lovingly supported until her peaceful passing.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Phyllis’s memory may be made to the Lions Club or Ivy House.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

mcphersonfh.com