PHYLLIS MILNE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

PHYLLIS MILNE

(nee PENNY)

December 14, 1928 - April 2, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Phyllis Milne, at the age of 95.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Doug (Janet) and Rick, and her daughter-in-law Georgia Valentonis as well as her four beloved grandchildren, Brian Milne (Megan and great-granddaughter Ainsley), Tanis Thiessen (Patrick and great-grandson Henry), Logan Milne (Kelsey) and Marina Milne. Phyllis will also be dearly missed by her brother Al Penny (Anne Clark), sisters-in-law, Alice Greenwood and Shirley Milne, brother-in-law Bill Zieske, many nieces, nephews and her cherished friends. Leaving this earth before her are her beloved husband Bill (1987), her cherished son Ron (2012), her parents, her sisters, Nellie, Kay, and Stella, brothers-in-law, Henry, Charlie, Mike, Reg and Lloyd and sisters-in-law, Pearl, Eleanor and Jacquie.

Phyllis was born in the farming community of Netley Creek, MB, to Nicholas and Anne Penny, the fourth of five children. Phyllis met the love of her life William (Bill) Milne at the age of 21 at a local dance in Winnipeg Beach, they married in 1952 and both worked in Winnipeg in the early years of their marriage. After graduating from high school and Success Business College, she began working for Blue Cross where she spent several years until her and Bill decided to start a family. They both worked hard and in 1964, were able to purchase a small lakefront cottage on Big Whiteshell Lake where they would go on to spend many weekends and most summers. Phyllis later worked for Bristol Aerospace but when Bill retired in 1977, they decided to take on an adventure and purchased the Matlock General Store. The boys attended school in Gimli and Phyllis became Matlock’s Postmaster. Bill’s sudden death in August of 1987 devastated the close-knit family and in 1988, Phyllis moved to a house in North Kildonan, and then to Devonshire House II in 2016, an assisted living facility. She remained there until her passing. Phyllis never remarried, as she felt Bill was the only one for her.

Phyllis had many interests throughout her life. She was a huge sports enthusiast and enjoyed playing baseball, golf, and curling. Her love of nature was enjoyed by snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing or going for long walks holding hands with Bill and taking in the beautiful scenery. She loved to entertain; she and Bill would often have a houseful of friends and family playing records and dancing the night away. Phyllis loved fashion and was dressed impeccably right until her very last days. She was a fantastic cook and baker and in her early years, had a great reputation as an exceptional seamstress. She would often sew her own clothes and also knit matching sweaters for all five members of the family. In her later years, Phyllis would enjoy going to the performing arts and waited in anticipation each year for season tickets to the Goldeyes games. She was also very creative - her love of painting, paper tole, decoupage, and other various craft activities won her several awards. Being an avid gardener, Phyllis would spend hours tending to her flower beds and often won ribbons for some of her creations at expositions.

Phyllis definitely had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always kept up on what was happening in their lives. She also enjoyed travelling to places like Florida, Alaska, Palm Springs and other parts of Canada and the US - sometimes with her son Ron, her sister Kay or her sister in-law Alice. But her fondest memory was the family trip to Hawaii, a year before Bill passed.

Her heart never fully recovered when she lost her middle son Ron quite suddenly in 2012. He lived on through his children, Logan and Marina, and Phyllis enjoyed watching them grow, trying to spend as much time with them as possible. Phyllis was also a tremendous support to her oldest son Doug, always making herself available to help with the kids and later on, as a sounding board or a life coach, over the phone or on weekends spent at the lake. And after her illness in 2001, Rick helped with rehabilitation and his caring, compassionate nature provided her with great companionship in her final years, when she needed the most support.

The family of Phyllis would like to thank the staff of Devonshire House II and the many home care workers for their exceptional care over the last few years of her life.

Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Phyllis's memory to your favourite charity.

"A mother's love lives on forever in the memories

she created and the hearts she touched."

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home

204-885-9715

Tribute Link: www.chapellawn.ca

PHYLLIS MILNE

With great sadness the family announces the passing of Phyllis Milne on Tuesday April 2, 2024.

A full obituary is to follow on Saturday April 13, 2024.

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home

204-885-9715

Tribute Link: www.chapellawn.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 06, 2024, Apr 06, 2024, Apr 13, 2024