PHYLLIS JEAN COISH (MACPHERSON)

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PHYLLIS JEAN COISH (nee MACPHERSON) It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Phyllis, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt. She passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, August 9, 2009, at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg. Phyllis was predeceased by her husband, Harold, and by her parents George and Blanche MacPherson. Holding her close to their hearts are her children: Carolyn (Peter) Van Gorp, David (Lois), Robert (Carol Ann), and Philip (Helen) as well as her brother, Ivan MacPherson. She will also be greatly missed by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and by her many friends. Born in Sydney, Cape Breton, NS on February 11, 1917, Phyllis grew up and went to school in Sydney. She was always proud of her Cape Breton heritage and never lost her love of the sea. From earliest childhood her love of art and artistic abilities had a profound influence on her entire life. Sketching and drawing were an essential part of her childhood and she experienced life through an artist's eyes. She attended Mount Allison University in New Brunswick where she graduated, in 1941, to receive the first Fine Arts Degree in Canada. After graduating, she taught at King's Hall, Compton, Quebec, instructing English school girls who had been displaced by the war. It was also at Mount Allison University that she met her very beloved husband, Harold. Their marriage in her parents' home in Sydney began a loving partnership of 42 years. After marriage, Phyllis and Harold lived in Sydney, Halifax, Montreal, Chalk River, Deep River, and Ajax. Ultimately, Phyllis and Harold settled in Winnipeg, in 1949, where Harold taught at the University of Manitoba and Phyllis managed a bustling home with four children. Phyllis raised her children with loving support, courage, humour, and determination, putting their needs ahead of her own. She continued to show this same grace and generosity to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all of her family. Phyllis and Harold lived for a year in Trieste, Italy and six months in Exeter, England. After losing her husband in 1984, Phyllis continued to live an active and independent life. She loved to travel and to learn languages. She returned to her love for art, taking courses and expanding her skills. Phyllis particularly delighted in printmaking. A love of beauty, style, and elegance was featured in all aspects of her life. She enjoyed attending the Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Opera, and the Stratford Festival of the Arts. She made many friends as an instructor of Tai Chi for Creative Retirement, Manitoba. After losing her sight in her seventies, she learned to read Braille and in her eighties took up the violin. She continued to live independently until she passed away. Phyllis will always be loved and remembered as a person who lived life fully. She faced adversity with courage and resolve. She loved and supported her family and friends with all her being. She will always remain in our hearts. The family wishes to thank all the staff at St. Boniface Hospital, Ward 5A and the Palliative Care Unit whose kindness and care helped Phyllis through her last days in as much comfort as possible. A memorial service will be held at St. Peter's Anglican Church, 755 Elm St. at Grant Ave. at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14. Donations in memory of Phyllis can be made to the CNIB or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 12, 2009