Obituary of Phyllis Mary McPhee
Mrs. Phyllis Mary McPhee was born in Waterford on November 25, 1938. She was the daughter of the late George Hubert Lucas and Anna Margarette (Hansen) Lucas. She grew up next door to the man who would someday be the love of her life, the only partner either of them would ever have.
George and Phyllis were married on June 14, 1958 and would spend the next 61 years celebrating their love story. Phyllis and George were the epitome of teamwork. For 56 years they worked side by side and she was so proud of the fact that they were entrepreneurs. From Uncle Fred’s, the Cream Puff Bakery, Mama George’s and Mama’s Too and every other venture they began, they made a success of everything they touched. Phyllis was an incredibly hard worker, family and work was what she lived for. She went to work everyday and loved every moment, until her illness would no longer allow her to stand.
She had a servant heart and would do anything for anyone; whether it was her last nickel or her last pie. She would say, “Do what’s right and do what’s good. Be kind and help others. The world can always use one more kind person.” Phyllis was a great judge of character, and after a few moments could tell whether you would be her friend or her acquaintance. When you became her friend, you were her friend for the long haul.
Phyllis was a quiet and private woman. Although she was a woman of few words, when she spoke you listened; especially George. When she stuck out her index finger, you knew she meant business.
She had a passion for travelling, whether it was their many trips to Vegas, Florida, Barbados, Bahamas, Jamaica, motorhome adventures or even just the Moncton Casino – she loved the time she spent with George exploring.
She loved her puzzles, drinking Spumante and playing crib with Jim and Brenda and of course her gardens at home. A morning was not a proper morning without her McDonald’s coffee, even if it was Christmas morning. Since 1963, her lifetime passion became Kirk Hill Cemetery and she could often be found there visiting her loved ones.
Phyllis spent three years courageously battling cancer – she never stopped fighting, and not once did she complain. Her determined nature, contagious smile and kind soul will live on in all of the lives she has touched.
She will live on in the hearts of the love of her life, George; her children: Judy Ross of Fredericton, Kathy McPhee-ONeill and her husband Mike of Sussex, Larry McPhee of Saint John and Michael McPhee and Emma Jenkins of PEI; her daughter-in-law, Barb McPhee of Saint John; her grandchildren: Cassie, Chelsea, Ben, Stephanie, Shawn, Laura, Brendan, Lucas and Dominick; 4 great grandchildren; her babies: Skippy, Belle and Mitzy; her cousins: Faye Hansen, Ronnie Lucas, Garnet Lucas and Kenny Lucas.
Mrs. Phyllis Mary McPhee of Mt. Hebron passed away at the Sussex Health Center on June 21, 2019 at the age of 80.
Along with her parents, she is predeceased by her infant daughter of passed away in 1963.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex (506-433-1176). At Phyllis’ request all of the arrangements will be held privately.
For those who wish donations in memory of Phyllis may be made to the Kirk Hill Cemetery. Condolences to the family and donations may be made through WallaceFuneralHome.com
The family wishes to express their deepest thanks to all of their friends who have been so good to Phyllis; her three homecare nurses, Marilyn, Wendy and Chelsey who looked after her until her last day home; all of her nurses and Dr. Sunita MacMullin for their exceptional kindness and care. It will never be forgotten.
