PHYLLIS MILDRED HADLAND

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PHYLLIS MILDRED HADLAND Born Phyllis Mildred Hadland on April 21, 1915 in Solsgirth, MB, she was known as Aunt Phyllis to many, regardless of an actual family connection. She was an adventurer from a young age. She graduated from Childrens Hospital in May 1938 and nursed in remote communities in Ontario and Saskatchewan before serving overseas in the Second World War. A highlight of her military service was to be the senior nurse on duty and to deliver the first German baby born on VE Day. The nurses were given the honor of choosing the babys name, and Aunt Phyllis proudly carried baby Victoria Elizabeth throughout the wards, showing her off to the injured soldiers. She continued her education in Minneapolis in the 1950s and spent her remaining career working in public health throughout Manitoba. Phyllis considered herself too independent to marry, but she surrounded herself with her brothers and sister and their children. She enjoyed travelling and introducing three generations of nieces and nephews to fine dining and the arts. Phyllis was very active in the St. James Anglican Church in Winnipeg, played bridge, organized and attended conventions and meetings for the Nursing Sisters Association of Canada. In August 2000 Phyllis moved to Riverheights Terrace in Brandon to be closer to family. While there, one of the activities she really enjoyed and looked forward to was going over to Riverheights School, reading stories and doing activities with Grades 1, 2, and 3 students. Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, William and Kathleen Hadland; brother Rex Hadland; sister and brother-in-law Alice and Cliff Preston. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Henry and Marj Hadland; nieces and nephews, Bill (Donna) Preston, Barb (Ray) Sitter, Diane (Morley) Henderson, Gary (Darlene) Hadland, and Gail (George) Goertzen; nine great-nieces and nephews and many great-great-nieces and nephews. In the words of Aunt Phyllis, It is time I moved off this planet, and her wish was granted on February 18. The funeral service will be held on February 23, at St. Pauls Anglican Church, Shoal Lake at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Childrens Hospital of Winnipeg, 840 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1 or to a charity of your choice. We bid farewell to an incredibly strong, giving, and wonderful lady. She will be missed.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 20, 2002