Phillips, Joanne Letitia
Joanne Letitia Phillips
The family of the late Joanne Phillips, who passed away on Wednesday, October 7th, 2020, invites you to her Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 21st, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. at Zion United Church, 423 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK. Those not able to attend are invited to watch the live service virtually by going to https://youtu.be/qeeBhx0-25I. The family requests no flowers or cards.
The Greatest Pleasure in Life comes from a simple smile, a chat with your grandkids, a hug from your great-grandkids, a conversation with your children and being able to hold hands with your husband who has been your best friend and partner for over 68 years.
What a remarkable life!
Our hearts are heavy with the passing of Joanne Letitia Phillips on October 7th, 2020, just 2 days short of her 92nd birthday, at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, SK after suffering a massive stroke. She was only a few short blocks from where she received her nurses training in the 1950’s and met the love of her life Lyle “Ossie” Phillips.
Joanne was born October 9th, 1928 in Yorkton, SK and was predeceased by her parents, David and Hazel Gibson; brother, Cal and two sisters, Donna and Betty.
Jo will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 68 years, Lyle (Ossie) Phillips; children, Dave (Gail) Phillips of Calgary, AB and Debbie (Cal) Cowan of Moose Jaw, SK; grandchildren: Matt Cowan of Duncan, BC, Jason (Jen) Cowan of Calgary, AB, Jocelyn (Scott) MacDonald of Whistler, BC, Brianna (Mick) Dulmage of Calgary, AB; great-grandchildren: Carter and Mason Dulmage, Cash and Frankie Cowan, and Rio and Casey MacDonald. Also mourned by the family of Gail Phillips: Witney (Lea) Austen, Sam and Ryan Austen, Cody (Krista) Rodriguez, and Cruz and Kaius Rodriguez.
She is also survived by her brother, Bill (Merla) Gibson; sister, Margaret (Laurie) Friesen; and several nieces and nephews who all loved their Auntie Joanne and visited the cabin many times at Buffalo Pound Lake.
Mom lived on a farm close to Tonkin, SK. She loved the farm and worked with her family to make it a success. She attended The Armstrong Elementary one room country school, Grade 9 in The Pas, MB living with an Aunt, then boarded in Yorkton, SK for Grades 10-12 only coming home on weekends.
Then it was off to nurses training at Saskatoon City Hospital where she graduated along with her 3 sisters. The only time ever that 4 sisters (aka “The Gibson Girls”) all graduated from Saskatoon City Hospital.
It was in Saskatoon that she met Ossie and they were married in July 1952. Upon Os getting his law degree they came to Moose Jaw to start their married life. Dad built their first home in Moose Jaw and they stayed there for 27 years. During this time the children arrived and their lives were full with work, children’s activities and lots of volunteer work with various clubs. Mom was very active in Zion United Church where she played in the Bell Choir, served as Chairman of Church Council and was very involved with her church group “Jubilee”.
Jo wore many hats through her working years. She loved her time with Public Health in North Battleford, SK and she worked at St Paul’s Hospital during the polio epidemic. Her nursing career was put on hold when she was raising her children. She took her refresher course in the late 60’s and worked at Moose Jaw Union Hospital. She was a great supporter of Os with his career and was the kid’s biggest cheerleader in all of their endeavors. She was a very proud Grandma!
In three Federal elections she was the Returning Officer. A job that required exceptional organization, on the spot decision making and superb people skills. All great qualities Mom possessed.
Jo and Os loved their vacations, especially their trips to Hawaii and the Windjammer Cruises. There was always a story time at family dinners when they returned and relayed all of the fun and adventures they had with their friends.
Jo was an avid skier and went to Sunshine ski resort for several years. There were ski trips to the states and Switzerland. Travelling was a huge part of their lives which they continued right up until last year. Mom loved to golf, curl and to play bridge. She also loved clothes and always looked impeccable.
Her biggest joy was their cabin at Buffalo Pound Lake. Mom and the kids would move to the lake for the summer while dad commuted to work in town. She had friends up and down the lake on both shores. For the first few years they had no phone or running water. She had an abundance of lake stories which we all know verbatim. Some include horseshoe tournaments, water skiing and other antics. She especially loved watching the pelicans.
Jo loved a good party, whether she was hosting one or going to one. She was a fabulous cook and a hostess extraordinaire. She was an exceptional mother and wife. She loved Christmas with all the family around. She had a great giggle and had the ability to make everyone around her giggle also, sometimes without even trying.
She was a kind, compassionate lady, always smiling and so lovable. We will miss you.
There will be a Private Family Graveside Service and then when health restrictions are lifted, there will be celebration of her glorious life.
In lieu of flowers those wishing to make a donation in Jo’s name may donate to the Memorial Fund at Zion United Church, 423 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 0W5 or the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, 55 Diefenbaker Drive, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 0C2. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. James Murdock, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Our deepest condolences to Ossie and family. Joanne was loved
by everyone that knew her. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh and kindness she showed to others. She will
be missed.
Lyle my heart felt condolences to you and your family! 2020 has been a tough year that both of us have lost the loves of our lives! Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers!!
Dear Dave, Debbie and families. What a beautiful obituary and tribute to your amazing Mom! My deepest sympathies for your sudden loss. In spite of her age I’m sure you were not ready for this – I think everyone who knew her thought we would continue to see her out and about at social functions for many more years! Her warm smile and giggles will be missed by many, including me – cherish the memories…
My condolences to Os and family.
Lyle, Debbie and Dave I’m so sorry for your loss I send my love and deepest sympathy to all the family
Ozzie and Family; We were so very sad to read of Joanne’s passing. She was such a lovely lady. So full of life. A wonderful tribute in her obituary. Always enjoyed visiting with her at the many social events she was at. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. With our deepest condolences, Darla and Lloyd
To Oz and family. Wayne and I wish to extend our sincere sympathies to you and your family. We shall miss seeing Joanne’s smile at church every week. She was always smiling and laughing.
Wayne and Anne Rose – Zion family
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TOO OSSIE AND FAMILY,
JOANNE WAS A SPECIAL LADY.
I ENJOYED MANY VISITS ACROSS THE FENCE AS JOANNE AND OSSIE
WERE OUR LAKE NEIGHBORS FOR OVER FORTY YEARS.
SHE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE.
SHE WILL BE MISSED.
Dear Deb, Cal & family,
So sorry to read of your mom’s passing! Her obituary is beautiful, and a great tribute to her! She will be sorely missed, but has left all who met her with great memories. Hugs to you all….Glennys Holliday (Hannah)
Dear Lyle and Family, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. When attending family functions, I recall even as a young girl, how my Mom (Roberta Gardner) would comment that Joanne was such a wonderful and caring Lady and how much she enjoyed visiting and being in her company. May God Bless You All.
What a beautiful tribute to an astounding lady. My deepest condolences to your family.
Thinking of you as you mourn the loss of wife and mother, Oss & Debbie (Cal) We hope you see u soon around the Apt bldg.
Ossie – I grew up knowing and loving both you and Joanne. You partied-hardy with my parents in our home on Henry Street – and when I started working for lawyers, I had the pleasure of working with you on a professional level. I had many years of being a part of the Lioness Club with Joanne – and I was always so happy to see the two of you at Zion United. Heaven has definitely gained a very special angel! Blessings to you and your family.
Our condolences to Oz and family, enjoyed you and Joanne as next door neighbours for many years
Dear Ossie and family, so sorry to hear of Joanne’s passing. She was such a dear lady, full of fun and laughter. A life well lived and one to be celebrated. Our condolences to you all, Paul and Linda
Oz, you and Joanne were one of the first couples who took time to welcome us to the city 42 years ago. Since then, we’ve always looked forward to seeing Joanne’s wonderful smile and hearing the giggles at all the events that you two took time to attend. She will be missed by many and we share in your sorrow.
Dear Ozzie and family. I was so saddened to hear of Joanne’s passing. She truly will be missed by all of us. What a privilege to have grown up at the lake ! I loved my conversations with Joanne at all the stew-do’s, horseshoe tournaments and many additional functions! I feel truly blessed. What a wonderful legacy of a truly full life
Our deepest condolences to Ossie and family. Joanne was such a lovely lady, we are glad that we have known her for a number of years.
So sorry to hear this news. Sending sincere condolences.
My sympathy to you all in the loss of Joanne. What a lovely tribute to her whole life.. As well as a friend in Lioness and thru my parents, I was blessed to work with her after her refresher course. Her ever present smile will be so missed.
Condolences to your family.
Such a lovely spirit. I hope the memories keep that spirit with all of you.
DEAR DEBBIE AND FAMILY. YOUR MOM WAS SUCH A RAY OF SUNSHINE WHENEVER WE MET. SHE AND OSSIE WERE AT SO MANY EVENTS THAT WE ALSO ATTENDED SO SHE WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY US AND SO MANY OTHERS IN THIS COMMUNITY. WHAT A LOVELY OBITUARY PAYING TRIBUTE TO HER WONDERFUL, FULL LIFE.
Debbie and Cal and family our deepest condolence to you in this difficult time.
Sincere condolences to the Phillips family. We have fond memories of Joanne especially at the lake. We loved her giggle and she was always such a fabulous hostess.
Our hearts are saddened with the news of Joanne’s passing. We will miss her cheery smile and giggle. Thanks for this beautiful tribute.
Our deepest condolences to Ossie and the whole family.
I have many fond memories of Joanne. Her warmth and caring kindness was infectious. Her laugh and smile were endless. Sincere condolences from the entire Brown Family.