Lillian Phillips (nee Newsome)

Lillian Phillips passed away peacefully at the Foothills Hospital at the age of 95 in the wee hours of February 17. She was the beloved wife of the late R.M. (Bob) Phillips, mother to Gord (Bev), and Joan (deceased 2006), cherished grandmother to Janelle Fortmuller (Max) and Wesley Phillips (Chelsey), their mother, Deb, step grandchildren Wyatt Dennis and Heidi Dennis.  She was the adored GG to Ellie and Conrad Fortmuller, and Maverick and Cooper Phillips.  She leaves to mourn her twin sister, Marion Reid, nieces Gwen (Dave) Downard, Donna Reid-(Randy) Doyle, Lynn (John) Keating, nephew David (Jane) Eggen and their families, and cousin Richard Newsome families in PEI.  She will be missed by Bob’s family and their extended families in Lloydminster, Edmonton, Nipawin and Vancouver Island.

Lil was born on November 30, 1928 in North Battleford, SK. She was raised in Saskatchewan with Marion and their younger sister, Lorraine, where their dad was a grain elevator operator.

After graduating high school, Lil went to work for the RCMP in North Battleford. When her family moved to Lloydminster, she landed a job with Husky Oil.  It was during this time she met Bob, and they married in 1951. She and Bob led active social lives in Lloyd, belonging to the ‘Dots and Dashers’ square-dancing club.  They were musicians in a dance band called ‘The Lloydminster Mellowtones’, with Bob on trumpet and sax, and Lil on the piano. As a young couple, with a young family, they spent many summers at Sandy Beach, SK with the Phillips’ families and where the many cousins bonded. Bob was transferred to Calgary in 1964 and Lil became involved in the community. She worked part-time for the law firm of Wooliams, Korman, Moore & Wittman, where lifelong friendships were made. She was very active with St. David’s United Church in Charleswood, where she played piano for the choir and volunteered in many capacities.  Lil’s world turned upside down when Bob suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 60.  She remained very close to Bob’s four brothers (Bill, George, Doug, Gary) and sister (June) and their families. Lil enjoyed keeping everyone connected and current with phone calls, letters, visits, emails and pictures. Her door was always open.

Mom planted and tended a large garden every summer and, along with her abundance of raspberry bushes, family and friends enjoyed the bounty in the fall. She was a full time cheerleader for Janelle and Wes, and proudly watched them participate in their activities.  They have many fond memories of trips taken with Grandma, particularly their PEI excursions. She was an avid bridge player, and went on to organize bridge in her retirement home, playing several times a week. She could be found glued to the TV during the annual curling Scottie Tournament of Hearts, critiquing each and every shot. Visits with the great-grandkids brought enormous joy. 

Lil was predeceased by her sister Lorraine Eggen, brothers-in-law Neal and Dave, niece Judy Reid, and great nephew Steven Keating.    

Mom did not want a service, and memorial donations may be made to The Mustard Seed, 102 – 11 Ave. SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0X5

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at the Manor Village at Varsity, including Dr. Amin, Units 61 and 32 at Foothills Hospital, and to Dr. Eglee Gimon

“…… and that’s the way it is”.