August 14, 1940 to November 7, 2021
The family of Phyllis sadly announces her passing.
Phyllis leaves behind her partner Dan Bell and her children: Mike Gittens, Susan (Dan) Killam and John (Barb) Callister. Grandchildren: Donald, Shaun and Stephanie (Graham), Garrett, JennaJean (Aaron), Logan, Colbie, Colin, Cooper. Great Grandchildren: Brodie, Oliver, Theodore, Edison, Marcus, Lucy and Emery. Best friend since grade four Marnie Cleary and close friend Sharon Nelson who was her scrabble partner. Room-mates Effie Simpson and Flo Krisko. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Phyllis,aka Fifi (Fee Fee),was born at the Calgary General Hospital to Jean and Ted Gittens. She was the oldest of eight children, Beverley Gittens Argent, Dan (Myrtle), Jim (Treva), Ted (Gisela), Tom (Brenda) and Billy (Mel). Phyllis is predeceased by her sister Catherine who passed in infancy and her brother Tom in 2019, as well as both parents.
Phyllis attended St. Mary’s Catholic Girls’ School in Calgary where she was an honour student. At the tender age of 16, Phyllis began her working career in Calgary as a telephone operator for AGT. This was followed by a stint as a parcel delivery person, a coffee truck driver for Drysdale’s and an office administrator for Canadian Freightways She also ran her own second-hand furniture store in Okotoks.
Phyllis found her passion as a driving instructor for the AMA and then finally, Safety in Motion. She enjoyed teaching her students the fundamentals of driving and made many lifelong friends from all over the world. Phyllis stayed in the profession for more than 30 years.
Phyllis will also be missed by her dog “Philly” who she adopted from the Southern Alberta Rottweiler Rescue. Strangely enough Philly’s registered name is Phyllis, perhaps a sign it was meant to be. All Phyllis’s dogs were adopted.
Phyllis loved life and all it had to offer. She was an active member at the Okotoks Agricultural Society and the De Winton Riding Club. She also volunteered at the Gladys Ridge Gymkhana Club and was a member of The Eagles Club.
Phyllis and Don Sutherland (Suds) started a food wagon called the “Growley Wagon.” They travelled the Chuckwagon circuit serving their famous breakfast sandwiches and coffee in “to go cups”, an innovation at the time.
Arrangements for a celebration of life will be announced once COVID restrictions are eased. Donations can be made to the Foothills Country Hospice Society www.countryhospice.org.
