THORA MARGARET PHILLIPS (MOORE)

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THORA MARGARET PHILLIPS (nee MOORE) At Peace - Thora Margaret Phillips, loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at Seven Oaks Hospital, in Winnipeg. Thora, the only daughter of Catherine and Albert Moore, was born in Regina, SK on March 28, 1924. She was predeceased by her infant son Terry; her brothers, Lorne and Ron and her parents. Thora leaves to mourn her husband of 57 years, Jack; her son Brian (Darlene) and grandchildren, Morgan, Tyler and Graeme; daughter Janice (John Wilmot) son Dale and grandchildren, Jessica, Tara and their mother Lilliane. She will also be sadly missed by her dear cousin Yvonne MacDonald of Regina; sister-in-law Shelda Moore of Parksville; brother-in-law Irvine Easto (Cathy) of Caledonia, ON; as well as her nieces, Diane Andrews (Doug) of Regina, Linda Banyai of Gravelbourg, Diane Montrichard of Kamloops, and nephews John Simmons (Barb) of London, ON, Bob Easto (Louise) of Brantford and Larry Easto (Connie) of Willowdale. Thora was also very fond of and close to her great nieces and nephews, who will miss her annual Christmas card. Moms life was profoundly influenced by the military. Her father served overseas in the Canadian Army for 5 years during the Second World War, her younger brother Lorne was killed in action on a mission over Germany and older brother Ron also saw wartime service in the Air Force. Her mother proudly carried the Silver Cross on Remembrance Day. Thora met Jack as a young airman training in Regina. That was the beginning of close to 30 years living as a military wife and raising three children in locations from one end of the country to the other. Over the years of moving from one base to another Mom made many friends with whom she faithfully communicated until she could no longer put pen to paper. She always enjoyed the annual exchanging of Christmas cards. She also loved to talk with family and old friends by phone. Mom treated many of our friends like her own children and always wanted to be part of the action. Moms calling in life was to be a connector. She was the enduring bond within our family and the constancy and warmth of her spirit touched many others. Mom enjoyed retirement with Dad, moving around the city and beyond, while continuing to add to her long list of friends. Her favourite two places were the hobby farm east of Anola where they enjoyed their pets and family get-togethers and most recently the cottage they purchased at Belair. During her last three years she wrestled with cancer without complaint and always had a cheery smile for everyone. She only regretted that she could not do what she used to do for her family. Mom, you have given to your family and friends beyond any expectation. Your love will always fill our hearts and your grace will always fill our thoughts. We love you. The family extends sincere gratitude to the close friends who came to visit Mom during her last days. Sincere thanks to the following people for Moms special care at home and in the hospital: the nurses and staff in the Oncology Unit at Seven Oaks General Hospital and Home Care specialists Evelyn and Fran who were all like family to her, Dr. J. Lezack, Dr. M. Kristjanson, Dr. G. Kraemer, and finally, the nurses and staff of Unit 2, fifth Floor Seven Oaks General Hospital for their sensitive and attentive care. The family will hold a special private celebration in honour of Thora. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to the Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation. From the words of the Dalai Lama - "It is essential to know that to be a happy person, a happy family, a happy society, it is very crucial to have a good heart".

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 24, 2004