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BORN
1932
DIED
2022
FUNERAL HOME
Phyllis Mittlestead Obituary
Phyl was born in North Vancouver, lived her early years in Pemberton, became a Registered Nurse at St. Paul's Hospital and settled in North Vancouver. She filled her 90 years of life to the very fullest, yet felt she had so much more to do in making this world a better place. Mom was a dynamic force of nature who kindly tolerated the rest of us younger ones that could not possibly keep up!
She provided all children, both near and far with the protection, playfulness, respect, dignity and an all-encompassing love to help them navigate their lives safely. Her 'George,' our Dad, Grampa and Great Grampa left us in 2006. She missed his presence deeply and carried on with her fearless energy.
Phyllis has been devoted to her Anglican faith and especially St Catherine's since we were littles. God was her best friend. To her last days, she was a Garden Goddess, Child Advocate, Champion Dill Pickler, Visionary, Frugal Phenom, a Boss, Super Girl and simply a faith-driven, God lovin' woman, who showed grace and humour through most of life's foibles.
We grew up with weekly bread baking, powdered milk (yuck), homemade cookies and fudge, mandatory berry picking with the bears, epic Advent Calendars, an infinite supply of knitted dishcloths, Blackberry Gin, recycled plastic wrap and her famous Huckleberry Pie. Mom was a lifelong devoted fan and season ticket holder of both the BC Lions and the Vancouver Canucks, she rarely missed a game!
Our family, in all of its manifestations, brought her great bliss and many outrageous challenges. She managed to love us through it all.
Jann (Jason), Barry (Margo), Tina (David) and Alan gave her seven beautiful grandchildren. Luke, Jordan, Fraser (Leah), Stuart (Kim), Ben (Rebecca), Cayle and Owen. They in turn gave her four precious GreatGrands. Kenzie, Jace, Finn, Hayley and a babe on the way.
Phyl's resume of extraordinary Out Reach Volunteerism is far too great to do justice to here. It spanned the globe and her lifetime. Suffice it to say, she touched more lives than we could possibly imagine.
We are deeply grateful for the tender care and expertise Mom received from the LGH Hospitalists and Nurses!
She danced her full JOY with all the boys this August in Pemberton and everyone embraced her enchanting presence. She is dancing gently into the light now, soaring with the eagles and swimming with her noble sea turtles.
Mom's Memorial Service will be held November 25 @ 2 PM. at St Catherine's Church, 1058 Ridgewood Dr. North Vancouver, BC, followed by a reception in the Church Hall.
Please donate to your dearest charity if you feel inclined. Or plant a flower. Phyl would love that.
To send condolences please go to: mckenziefuneralservice.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Mittlestead
7 Entries
Evan Jennings
November 27, 2022
Phyl was a constant force at St. Catherine's. She was an original, irreplaceable and wonderful. I can't imagine how hard it must be for her family not to have her.
Marion Porter
November 4, 2022
Thoughts and Prayers are with the family and friends of Phyllis. She was on the Preschool Board for many years and we appreciated her kindness and energy. A very special person and she will be missed by many.
Sandra Sharma
November 4, 2022
Phyllis was a woman of dignity ,compassion and wisdom.Her brilliant smile lit up my days ,when I was in her presence.From her time at St Catherine's selling clothes or at Amica being a friend to my friends ,Phyllis made every day count with her vigorous walk ,chats with others or being a carrier of the light of God.
She radiated her faith and care for others ,and always remembered my family members particularly Jeff who had befriended Luke, her beloved grandson at daycare. Jann, Luke's mother's , a teacher of merit , encapsulated her mother's beauty and wonder for life.
My deepest sympathy to all the family for this
loss of an amazing woman.Phyllis truly led a purposeful life.
Love to all,
Sandra Sharma
Nicola & Brad
November 3, 2022
We are two people whose lives Phyl touchy deeply. We moved to Starlight Way, North Vancouver in 2006 to become neighbours and developed a rich friendship. Phyl embraced us like family and that´s how we felt.
She was always smiling and welcoming, frank and so delightful to talk with. I loved seeing her sitting at her kitchen window in the mornings with coffee and newspaper as I walked by with our dog, often in the rain; her smile, nod and wave made my day bright, no matter what else transpired. Most afternoons she could be found in her garden and a chat was always in order.
I especially recall how thrilled she was just several years ago, to have achieved her desire to journey to see the Gorillas in the wild in Uganda. We were delighted she shared with us her photographs of that memorable trip.
We feel we have lost a dear friend and a cherished "elder". She leaves a hole in the fabric of our lives, but we smile to carry her memory. She embodied such strength and grace. We will strive to walk with similar bearing going forwards.
Our sincere sympathies and love to all the family, especially Alan, Tina and Jordan. We will plant a flower in our garden and some bulbs in the woods in her memory.
Nicola O´Connor & Brad Popovich
Nancy (Waghorn) Dietrich and family
November 1, 2022
From our family to yours, we send our deepest sympathy. Phyllis was a remarkable lady in so many ways and a dear friend to my Mom for almost 80 years. She was always welcoming, kind and generous of spirit. She will be missed.
Heather Peacock
October 29, 2022
My deepest condolences to all of Phyllis´ family. She was deeply loved by everyone at St. Catherines´s and the world will be a far less kind and welcomes place without her. I really thought she was invincible. Phyllis was such an inspiration for giving of your time and energy. She embodied the path God hopes we walk. I will miss her.
Heather Peacock
Ian & Lil Morrison
October 28, 2022
Many memories of Phil and George visiting the farm here in Alberta years ago and the reaction she had to some of the ag experiences that transpired. A nice lady with a smile for everyone.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Memorial Events
for Phyllis Mittlestead
Funeral services provided by:
McKenzie Funeral ServicesSuite 200 - 100 Park Royal South, West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A2