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MARY ELIZABETH (BETH) PHILLIPS
Born: Nov 23, 1918
Date of Passing: Dec 24, 2013
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to Health Sciences Centre Foundation
MARY ELIZABETH (BETH) PHILLIPS Peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2013, Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Phillips at her residence, River East Personal Care Home in Winnipeg. Beth was predeceased by her husband, Stan Phillips in August 1973, by her Mother and Father, Mary and Alexander McLeod, and her siblings Florence Howden, Doug McLeod and Gordon McLeod. She leaves to mourn her children Pat McCallum, Gordon Phillips and his wife Susan, grandchildren Sandra Phillips (Winnipeg), Katherine, Andrea, Karen and their families. Beth was born on November 23, 1918 in Winnipeg, attended Laura Secord and Gordon Bell High Schools. She married Stan in 1942, six months before he went overseas to serve in the Second World War. Their son Gordon was born shortly after Stan left and was three years old before his dad returned. Pat came along in 1947. Beth successfully combined motherhood, supporting her husband in his career as a Pharmacist, being an active volunteer and managing a career of her own. In 1964 she became Director of Volunteer Services, first at the Winnipeg General Hospital and subsequently the Health Sciences Centre. During her life she served on the Boards of the Canadian Red Cross (Manitoba Division), the Canadian Mental Health Association (Manitoba Branch), Social Planning Council of Winnipeg, Kidney Foundation of Canada (Manitoba Division) and the South Winnipeg Seniors Resource Council. Beth was President of the Manitoba Pharmacists Women's Auxiliary, Founder and President of the Manitoba Association of Volunteer Administrators, Founder of the Canadian Association of Volunteer Administrators, Founder of the Peter Pan Club of the Children's Hospital, Founder and first President of the H.S.C. Retirees Association Following retirement from the Health Sciences Centre in 1986, Beth launched a second career as a volunteer and organizer with the Liberal Parties of Manitoba and Canada. She participated in many Liberal activities and organizations, gaining many wonderful friends and making a meaningful contribution to the city, province and country that she loved. From 1998 to 2003 Beth was President of the Liberal Women's Commission for Manitoba and Saskatchewan and in this position served on the Federal Liberal Executive. She will be missed by the many people whom she touched throughout her life - her wonderful sense of humour (which lasted right to the end) and her wisdom made a difference in many lives. A memorial service will take place at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Avenue on Monday, January 20, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, 800 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, or to a charity of your choice. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. www.chapellawn.ca 204-885-9175
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 28, 2013
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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Hello Dear Pat, I am sorry to read of the passing of your mother, you must miss her zest for life and the friendship you had with her as well. Please pass on my regrets to Gord as well. Hoping you are well. Hug, John - Posted by: John Bell (Friend) on: Feb 10, 2014
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Dear Pat, I was so sorry to hear of Auntie Beth's passing. I loved her wonderful wit, the way her eyes sparkled as she told one of her many stories and our discussions about politics. She and my mother were close friends for over seventy years. I always was in awe of that relationship which spanned so many years of shared personal history. With them both now gone it truly is an end of an era. I will be thinking about you and Gordon on January 20th as you say a final goodbye and celebrate a life fully lived. - Posted by: Catherine Whitton (Friend) on: Jan 18, 2014
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Beth was an incredible woman! Beth had a great sense of humour, a twinkle in her eye and could be relied on to tell it like it was! A woman with spirit! Both my husband Ron and I will miss Beth! - Posted by: Joyce Mazur (Friend) on: Jan 16, 2014
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I knew Beth through Pharmacy, then worked as a volunteer for her for many years. As President she helped me a great deal at that time. She was a fun lady, terrific sense of humour, & knew how to get things done. Our sympathies Pat/Gord & family - Posted by: Yvonne Cantin (worked with Bwth on many levels) on: Jan 14, 2014
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Dear Pat, Gord and families: I was so sorry to hear about your Mom's passing, although comforted to know that she is in a much better place now, and like my siblings have said, probably having coffee with my parents, Cam & Gerry Savage. Pat, as my best friend for the first 12 years of our lives, I feel I have known your Mom so well. We always had a great relationship and I always tried to stop to see her when I was in town. Mom was always up for a lunch with her any time I could take her! We've had lots of laughs over the years. Wish there could have been more. We are never ready for them to leave us, but as my Mom said often, "old age is no fun"! My thoughts and prayers will be with you both on Jan. 20th. Keep in touch. - Posted by: Liz Shepherd (friend) on: Jan 09, 2014
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Sad to hear of Beth's passing. Wow. What a force of energy Beth brought to a room, a table, a meeting. She was clever, strategic, forceful, caring, loyal, loved a good story and could display a naughty sense of humour if cajoled. Beth was like the aunt I never had around. I loved her and will miss her. My condolences to Pat, Gord, Sandra and all your families. Mark O'Neill - Posted by: Mark O'Neill (friend) on: Jan 07, 2014
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Beth was a great friend who I came to know through the Liberal Party about 30 years ago. I liked the way she operated with a kind demeanour supporting her desire to see that we all finished our individual tasks. She taught me how to nurture volunteer organizations so that everyone was motivated to try harder. Beth was also very kind to both of my boys and to my mother when she came west to help me out. David - Posted by: David Walker (Friend) on: Jan 07, 2014
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Dear Gord and Pat, I was very sad to hear of your Mom's passing. Lori, our former Secretary, H.S.C. Winnipeg Volunteer Services Dept. (1980's) contacted me today. Your Mom was an amazing woman and she touched my life in so many incredible ways. I cherish all of the memories. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. - Posted by: Betty A. Dunlop (H.S.C. Winnipeg Colleague, Volunteer Services Dept. (1980's) and friend ) on: Jan 02, 2014
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Beth will be greatly missed by her friends at River East, she was always quick to smile and was always such a positive and lovely lady. Beth you made a big impression on all of us and we will miss you. My condolences to Pat and family. Beth you were one great lady! - Posted by: Shauna (friend) on: Jan 01, 2014
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My Mom & Dad (Cam & Gerry Savage) and Aunt Beth & Uncle Stan were great friends, always together at a Pharmacy event or just over for coffee. As an adult, I certainly enjoyed my visits with Aunt Beth over the years she was alone. It was great fun to listen to Mom & Aunt Beth talk about everything (and everyone!) The stories they told were marvelous!! Her sense of humor never left her... She will be missed. - Posted by: Barb Murray (friend) on: Dec 29, 2013
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I have known "Aunt" Beth all my life as she and Uncle Stan were long time friends of my parents, Cam and Gerry Savage. There were many visits over the years at the house, the condo, the Rosewood and lastly at the River East Care Home, many with my mother. I guess all four of them are together now and getting caught up on things. In her birthday card I had promised Aunt Beth a visit over Christmas. I am very sorry that work got in the way of my getting in more visits. She will be sorely missed by many. - Posted by: Cathy Savage (friend) on: Dec 28, 2013
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Our visits to Winnipeg were few and far between, but it was always a highlight to visit with, or stay with, Auntie Beth. She always had a twinkle in her eye and her stories ..... The world has lost a great lady. Pat, Gord and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Ron & Ruth Hawley (niece) on: Dec 28, 2013
