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PHYLLIS EVELYN YOUNG
Born: Feb 20, 1933
Date of Passing: May 12, 2020
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PHYLLIS EVELYN YOUNG
She was born on February 20, 1933, in Balmoral Manitoba, daughter of Fred and Rhoda Pulfer. Phyllis grew up in Balmoral, graduated from Stonewall Collegiate, and attended Normal School. As a young teacher, she taught in one room schools near Killarney, in Sperling, and in Greenwood Manitoba. She made close connections with many of her students and celebrated at numerous reunions over the years.
In 1955 she married the very debonair Frank Cockerill. Together they had four children, Janice, Glenn, and the twins, Lynn and Bruce. As a family, they spent many summers on camping adventures throughout Canada and the United States. Phyllis and Frank travelled extensively. One of the most memorable journeys was to Ireland where family roots were re-established. After Frank's tragic passing in 1979, Phyllis carried on with raising the children and running the farm.
When Glenn started taking over the farm operations, Phyllis starting spending more of her time with Gerald Young, a sharp RCMP officer. Gerald and Phyllis were married in 1990 and together they retired at an early age to Vancouver Island. The dinner parties and gatherings with their neighbours created wonderful friendships and many happy times. For 29 years, they travelled the world together, but would always come back home and spend their summers in Manitoba. Phyllis loved flowers, fashion, gardening, and birding. She treasured the lifelong friendships she made during her 45 years of volunteering with the Girl Guides of Canada.
She leaves behind her beloved husband Gerald Young, daughters, Janice (Richard) and Lynn (John), son Bruce (Lesley), and grandchildren, Aaron Cockerill, Andrew and William Dusessoy, triplets Adam, Noah and Milan Lukes, stepchildren, Drew (Marleen), Meredith, and step-grandchildren, Jenika and Emily, sister Bea Doan, and brother Cliff (Carol) Pulfer. Phyllis was predeceased by Frank, her beloved son Glenn, sisters, Dorothy and Lucille, and brother James. Memories of Phyllis will continue to be shared by her cherished relatives and friends.
Covid-19 restrictions stole precious final weeks of family comfort for her. We are thankful to West Park Manor for the gentle care and compassion provided by the nurses, aides, doctors and staff.
A family celebration will be held at a future date, on a beautiful summer day in the country.
Much appreciation to family friends at Bardal Funeral Home for your support.
Bardal Funeral Home
843 Sherbrook Street, 204-774-7474
Condolences: www.bardal.ca
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 16, 2020
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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I grew up with the Cockrill’s one of the kindest, loving, genuine, big hearted families you could meet, a lot of that could be attributed to Phyllis and Frank. When I first meet them they welcomed you with open arms and the family is still like that today, as a good friend of Lynn I was saddened to hear the news. May God bless you all and all the family, may you all find peace in the memories that Phyllis blessed you with. May she Rest In Peace 💜 - Posted by: Tammy Jonasson (Pylatuk) (Friend of Lynn Bruce and Janice) on: Jun 14, 2020
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Janice, Bruce, and Lyn, Our Deepest Condolences. We are so sorry for your loss. Phyllis was a tremendous help when researching the Rodgers connections and relatives in Manitoba. She was meticulous in her research. We had wonderful and productive conversations by phone (2012-2013). Then Ken and Phyllis shared many jokes and stories after Phyllis and I had done our genealogy discussions. We finally met Phyllis and Gerald in 2013 at the Rodgers Family Reunion and continued our stimulating conversations. It was good to see Phyllis last July in Winnipeg and again more delightful conversations. We have all lost someone very special. We will cherish the memories. Marion and Ken and family. - Posted by: Marion and Ken Boon (Friends) on: May 20, 2020
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Phyllis Pulfer was my all-time favourite teacher, for Grade 8 in Sperling. She was warm, encouraging, always helpful and caring. My only regret was having to move on to another class for the next year. It has been wonderful with her maintaining her contact with the Sperling group, attending our occasional reunions in Winnipeg. My sincere condolences to Gerald and her family. Her memory will be treasured. Carole (Peckover) Anderson - Posted by: Carole (Peckover) Anderson (former pupil) on: May 20, 2020
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Janice, Lynn and Bruce, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. Our deepest sympathy and love to you all. Cherish the memories. - Posted by: Grant, Bev & Stephanie Mcdonnell (Friend and Neighbor) on: May 19, 2020
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Janice, Lynn and Bruce, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. As one of the Carlson kids attending Greenwood school, we couldn't have been luckier than having Mrs. Cockerill (Phyllis) as our teacher in those early years. She always read good literature to us and inspired me to become an educator. I always enjoyed our brief visits over the years. Take care, Joan and Bill Jeffery - Posted by: Joan Jeffery (Former student ) on: May 19, 2020
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We are saddened to hear of the passing of our dear “Miss Pulfer”, a beloved teacher at the Sperling School many years ago. She came often to reunions, big and small, with her students, and we were amazed at how well she remembered us. Our condolences to Gerald and her family. - Posted by: Glenn Peckover (Former studrnt) on: May 16, 2020
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Our deepest sympathy and love to you all. Phyllis was a true friend and a caring neighbour that we could all call on in at a moments notice. We often talk about those years when our kids were growing up and what great times we all had. Tom, Barb & family - Posted by: Tom Bowman Family (Friends and neighbors) on: May 16, 2020
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Such a beautiful lady! So sad for the family to have to say goodbye to your mom. She will forever be in your heart! May she rest in peace. May you have fond memories of when she was younger and not of the end when it was difficult because if covid. Much love Monique Ruchkall - Posted by: Monique Ruchkall (Friend ) on: May 16, 2020
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