August 11, 1919 – October 5, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Phyllis McWilliam -- our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great- great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Phyllis passed away peacefully on October 5, 2019, in the High River Hospital, at the amazing age of 100. Phyllis is survived by her son Bernie (Darlene) McWilliam, daughter Sheryl (Dick) Blaikie, 8 grandchildren: Jerry (Theressa), Lori, Cherie, Tanya (Al), Melissa (Drew), Taylor (Morgan), Deanna (Darrell) and Rob (Judy). Phyllis is also survived by her 8 great-grandchildren: Cody, Darnell (Kaylea), Brendan, Carter, Brooke, Cruz, Sam and Thomas plus 2 great-great-grandchildren: Ayden and Weston. Also, Phyllis is survived by her two sisters Doris Phillips and Pat (Pete) Schmidt and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband Herb, daughter Shirley & son-in-law Ken Bauer, great-grandson David, brothers George, Victor “Dennis” and sister Dorothy “Blanche”.
Phyllis was born August 11, 1919 to Alice (Bagnall) and Ernest Light, at their home in Spruce Bluff, Saskatchewan. This is where she began to weave the tapestry of her life. She was the oldest of 6 children. They had many memories of those times on the farm. She took her schooling near home then she got a job at the Boeing airport in Seattle where she went by herself to build planes during war time. After that time, she returned home but moved shortly after to Alberta to work north of Dinton. Here she met and married Herb McWilliam. They raised three children Shirley, Bernie and Sheryl on the home farm. Phyllis was an active member of the Dinton WI for many years and enjoyed all the friends, quilting, flower shows, baking, teas, catering auctions and working for the women’s shelter in Calgary. She also loved gardening and growing flowers, especially gladiolas and roses plus sewing, painting, baking and cooking. She loved her card games and especially 500 card parties held with family and friends. They enjoyed a few trips south to Tri Palms.
In 1972, Herb and Phyllis sold the farm to their son, Bernie, and moved to High River the following spring. Herb passed away a year and a half later. Phyllis’ activities, determination and capabilities made for a pretty full life on her own. High River and Millarville fairs were highlights for Phyllis and she loved sharing her talents with her grandchildren. They loved her games, Lego, Fimo clay molding, Halloween costumes, matching outfits that she had sewn for them, their Wrinkles and dolls plus they loved eating favorites like her pizza buns, TV dinners, baking powder biscuits and chocolate patio surprise. For a time, she worked at the jewellers and then at crop insurance in High River. Her trips to London, Hawaii and a cruise were big memories. She loved her bridge and especially Duplicate Bridge these last years. Leaving Ellis Crescent, after 30 years, was tough but the friendships made there were part of her forever. She moved into the Regency in 2004 and soon made some very close new friends that became just like family. Her love of crafts gained more time and attention and she enjoyed making beaded necklaces, chocolates, rum cakes and peanut brittle...and she loved Facebook and watching curling. When it was time, it was hard to leave this home, but she moved into Seasons in June of 2018 where she rekindled old dear friendships and made some wonderful new ones.
We are so blessed that Phyllis was able to live a fairly healthy and independent 100 years before peacefully passing. Thank you to all of her family and friends who recently attended or sent wishes for her 100th birthday celebration. This was the true celebration of her 100 years in this world. She had looked forward to this occasion for a very long time and you made her feel so special. As this was the highlight of Phyllis’ later years, the family has chosen not to have a funeral but to have each of you remember the good times and occasions spent with her. Thank you for being the threads in her life’s tapestry.
To send condolences and view Phyllis’ Tribute Page please visit www.lylereeves.com . Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.
