PHYLLIS ASHLEY

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PHYLLIS ASHLEY Phyllis Ashley, age 81, died peacefully at the Victoria General Hospital on Saturday, July 9, 2005, following a courageous battle with several debilitating diseases. She was surrounded by members of her immediate family. Phyllis was born August 28, 1923, in Manchester, Lancashire, England, to the late Thomas and Emma Surrey. She attended school in Manchester but delayed her post secondary education to join the Women's Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. She served at a number of airbases primarily in the south of England. While stationed at Loughbourough, she met her future husband Frederick, who was also serving in the RAF. Following the war Phyllis began raising her three children Christopher, Anthony and Jean while also working in the garment industry and, later, in the interior decorating industry. She immigrated to Canada with her husband and three children, arriving in Winnipeg, via Halifax, in July 1957. Following retirement in the early 1980's, Phyllis and Fred moved to Victoria, BC. Phyllis is lovingly remembered by her husband, Frederick; her son Christopher (Winnipeg) and grandchildren, Caroline and Chris; her son Anthony and his wife Valerie (Ottawa) and granddaughter Jennifer; her daughter Jean (Nanaimo) and children, Cherrel, Ian, Thomas, Cyndi, Sandi, Krysta and several great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved brother John. She will always be remembered as one who was willing to make any sacrifice necessary for her family. She will be sorely missed by us all. We would like to thank all of the staff of the Victoria General Hospital for their help and compassion during the last few days of her life. Sincere appreciation is also sent to the staff of Juan de Fuca Home Support, the Vancouver Island Health Authority and Veterans Affairs Canada. Memorial service will be held at Sands Funeral Chapel, 1803 Quadra St., Victoria, BC, on Wednesday, July 13 at 2:00 p.m. Phyllis' remains will be interred in Manchester, England. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the British Columbia Lung Association. SANDS OF VICTORIA (250) 388-5155

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 12, 2005