September 15, 1922 - January 8, 2021
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful mother and grandmother Phyllis.
Phyllis was born and raised in Nanaimo. As a young woman Phyllis worked at Nanaimo Electric Light, Heat and Power Company and later as a stenographer for the Nanaimo coroner. She spent the majority of her career at SunGlo Lumber working in the office, where she retired after more than 20 years.
Throughout Phyllis's life she was actively involved in the church. She played the piano and organ in her teenage years at Haliburton United Church and later at the Chinese United Church when they needed a pianist. She was a member of St. Andrew's United Church choir until the age of 93 and was active in many committees and volunteered for years in the church thrift store.
Phyllis was born to John and Martha Barsby in 1922 and had three brothers, Ernest, Ted and Jack, as well as a twin sister, Iris, all deceased. Phyllis married Charles Stephens in 1948 and they raised six children. Phyllis was predeceased by Charles as well as her two youngest children, Gail and Barry.
While it is impossible to condense 98 years of a full and loving life into a few paragraphs, Phyllis leaves a legacy of family and love. Phyllis was a kind and caring person who had a smile for anyone she met. She worked hard and lived through some challenging times however you would never hear her complain. Phyllis and her twin sister Iris provided lots of fun and laughter over the years with their shared love of baking and enjoying sweets.
She would offer help to anyone who needed it and baked muffins often for her neighbours on Kennedy St and again when she moved to the Villa at Kiwanis.
Phyllis leaves behind a large extended family who adored her. She is survived by sons Jack (Susan), Vern (Judy), David (Judy), daughter Lynn (Ray) and daughter in law Sheryl. Phyllis also leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who visited her regularly. This close-knit family that she nurtured will miss playing cards and hearing her contagious giggle. We are so thankful for the meaningful years we spent with her and she will continue to hold a special place in our hearts.
The family is indebted to the staff and care-givers at Kiwanis Villa and especially Kiwanis Lodge for their care, love and compassion given to Phyllis in the last 12 years of her life. Many thanks to her professional and caring physician Dr. Otte. At this time there are no plans for a service due to current restrictions.