PHYLLIS ESTHER ROSE

Phyllis Rose was born October 23, 1930, in Philadelphia, with a relentless determination which was bested only by time itself. She died peacefully in her home on the morning of September 1, 2025. Predeceased by her loving husband, Albert (d.1990). Survived by her four children and their spouses: Andy (Miriam), of Singapore, Ben (Rebecca), of Berkeley, Charlotte (David), of Toronto, and David (Lisa), of Perth, ON; grandchildren, Denny, Ella, Asher, and Rami; and great-grandson, Uzay. Phyllis was born into the depression to a Marine Corps Sergeant (Morris Diamond) and the synagogue secretary (Emma). She would achieve early success at Philadelphia School for Girls and turn down a scholarship to U Penn in favour of studying engineering at Drexel. Being told that women couldn't be engineers turned her into the only woman engineer in her class of 350 at Drexel in 1953. She emigrated to Canada in 1955 and met fellow engineer Albert who had emigrated from England. They married almost immediately and had four kids. Albert was unwell for most of his life and Phyllis balanced taking care of him and his career with raising four kids who were each to go in a different direction. In the late '70s, she went back to school, taking a BA, then an MA in history of technology before teaching at Ryerson. She had a fascination with old bridges and wrote her thesis on Frank Barber's work. This was perhaps a connection between her earlier life as an engineer and her new life as an historian. The family has fond memories of Phyllis and Albert reviewing slides of old bridges in our living room, discussing them in great detail. Phyllis enjoyed time at the cottage over the years reading the newspaper, doing crossword puzzles, and holding court over tea with her many friends gathered. She did not suffer fools lightly, and anyone showing up for tea could expect a vibrant discussion, if not grilling. She thoroughly enjoyed Jane Austen, the Sunday New York Times, and trashy murder mysteries that could be read before lunch. She was happiest on a dock on an Ontario lake and spent about 80 summers doing just that. Her support of professional women and particularly women in science was boundless. Our family is grateful for the work of the Tammy Latner Palliative Care Centre at Mt. Sinai Hospital, the entire staff of the Hazelton, and her constant PSW Connie Cabinian, who was caring and loving to the end. Funeral at Benjamin's on Friday, September 5. Please see the Benjamin's web site (benjaminsparkmemorialchapel.ca) for details. The family would like to share Phyllis stories at 137 Ellsworth Avenue, Wednesday, September 3, and Thursday, September 4, from 3 p.m. onwards. All are welcome. Donations to the Tammy Latner Palliative Care Center at Mt. Sinai Hospital.