PHYLLIS RUTH PETTIS (SUTHERLAND)

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PHYLLIS RUTH PETTIS (nee SUTHERLAND) It is with great sadness that the family of Phyllis Ruth Pettis (née Sutherland) announces her passing on Saturday, November 28, 2009 at the age of 93 after a brief illness. Phyllis was born on November 19, 1916. She was the second child of five born to Clara and Will Sutherland in Brandon, Manitoba, where she was raised. Phyllis went to Normal School and then began a teaching career that spanned over 30 years. After the war, Phyllis moved to Winnipeg and began teaching sewing with the Singer Sewing Company. She met Fletcher Pettis and they were married in 1949. They raised two daughters, Joanne and Barbara. Phyll and Fletch returned to Brandon in 1956. In Brandon, Phyllis resumed school teaching and began the first special education class in Brandon. In 1970, the family moved again to Winnipeg. Phyllis remained a dedicated and inspired special education teacher until her retirement from St. Vital School Division. After her retirement, Phyllis devoted time to Meals on Wheels, the Riverside Lionelles, the Anna Blair Group of the St. Andrew's River Heights United Church Women's Auxiliary and the W.S.O. Women's Committee, as well as to her many hobbies. She read avidly and enjoyed sewing, leather work, English smocking, and crocheting Christmas ornaments. Her family has lovely mementoes of her creativity. Above all though, Phyllis took pleasure in her family, their activities and accomplishments. Phyllis was predeceased by her husband Fletcher in 1974, sisters Jean Budge and Betty Sutherland, and brother Glen Sutherland. She leaves to mourn her sister, Peggy Robertson in Brandon; daughter Joanne Pettis and grandson Andrew Neville; daughter and son-in-law Barbara and Ron Stanley and granddaughter Alexandra all of Winnipeg; sister-in-law Gwendolyn Sutherland in British Columbia and many nieces, nephews and close friends in Canada and the United States. Phyllis was an out-going, laughter-filled, gracious, resilient and generous woman who inspired her family and friends. She will be sorely missed. Memorial service will be held at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. on Wednesday, December 2 at 2:00 p.m. She will be interred alongside Fletcher in a private gathering. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Amant Centre Foundation, 440 River Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2M 3Z9. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 01, 2009