With great sadness we announce the passing at age 93, of our mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Mary Eleanor Phillips at Good Shepherd Villas, Prince Albert on March 21, 2015.  Mary was born to Joseph Dale and Ethel Monica Kitts on December 20, 1921 in Vancouver. She trained as a bookkeeper and secretary, and spent many happy hours skiing and swimming.  In 1943 Mary married Robert Wesley Phillips and two years later, the couple, with their infant son Larry, moved to Kinistino.  The warmth and support of her new neighbours eased Mary’s transition from the big city and for almost 50 years she embraced life in small town Saskatchewan.  Mary and Wes were partners in life and in business. Over the next 37 years, Mary and Wes published The Kinistino Post and The Birch Hills Gazette and Mary played an active role in the business by managing a gift shop and doing the books. In 1972, Mary and Wes and three of their sons purchased The Melfort Journal, which the family operated until 1999.  At the same time, Mary was busy raising their five children and participating in many community activities. She was a life member of the Legion Auxiliary.  After Wes’ retirement, they enjoyed travel, summers at their Emma Lake cabin, and winters in Victoria and Arizona.  In 1993, Mary and Wes moved to a condo in Prince Albert and later into Good Shepherd Villas.  Mary is survived by sons Larry (Rita), Warren (Donna), Kevin (April); daughter Marlyn (Tim Leson); daughter-in-law Sadie; along with 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her beloved husband Wes; son Ron; grandson Everett; as well as siblings Betty, Ethel, and Warren.  The family would like to thank the staff at Good Shepherd Villas for their 11 years of wonderful care. A Prayer Service will be held at the Good Shepherd Villas in the Great Room, 1499 – 15^th Avenue East, Prince Albert, SK at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2015.  A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at the Kinistino Legion Hall with Pastor Iris Kristjansdottir.  Interment will be held at a later date.  In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations may be made to the Kinistino Cemetery Fund, c/o Town of Kinistino. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306-922-4729).

 

 

 

• Date : 2015-03-21
• Location : Prince Albert, SK