Shilton, Phyllis Dorita
Apr 1, 1924 - Feb 3, 2006
It is with extreme sadness we announce the sudden passing of Phyllis Shilton.
She is survived by her husband Jack of 63 years; her daughter and son Lesley and Gerry Hunter; grandchildren: Dori, John, Rick and Anita, Tracey and Britt. Phyllis also leaves 12 great-grandchildren who were the stars in her universe, Ty, Ryley and Jeremy Dempster; Brittani and Travis Hunter; Dylan, Zachary, Brennan and Rachel Hunter and Ryan, Matthew and Abbie Simmons. Also left to mourn her were her very close sisters and brothers-in-law, Tom and June Shilton; Jody and Bill Rallison; Iris and Donnie Williams; Harold Miller, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, close friends and neighbours.
Phyllis was born to Billy and Lizzie Newman in Cassidy, BC. The family moved to Cumberland in 1927 and she became big sister to Beverley. She met Jack when she was 14 and they were married when she was 19. Jack was shipped overseas three days later and while he was serving in the Navy, Phyl went to Vancouver and took a hairdressing course. Their daughter Lesley was born the year after Jack’s return. Phyllis worked in the old Pickards and John Cliffe’s dry goods stores before opening her very own, Phyl’s Beauty Shop in Cumberland. In 1962 she sold her shop and went to work in Courtenay at the brand new Super Valu store and it was there that she met most of the people in the Comox Valley. She knew everyone and never forgot a face or name. In 1969 Phyllis and Jack moved to Gartley Beach in Royston but her heart remained in Cumberland where she was nicknamed “Mrs. Empire Days”. She spent 34 years volunteering as the Empire Days secretary. She also spent years in the Anglican Church guild; the Cumberland Kinette Club and worked for many years on Scattered Skits and the Folk Festival. She truly loved Cumberland and although not a resident, she worked behind the scenes campaigning for her dear old friend Bronco.
On February 3rd, the day after she and Jack celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary, Phyllis passed away suddenly at home. She is predeceased by her parents; her dearly beloved sister and nephew, Beverley and Lloyd Miller, plus many of Jack’s sisters, brothers-in-law and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Phyl, Mum, Nanny and Gramma will be missed terribly for her pleasant and constant smile; her baking which she did everyday; for her love of shopping and visiting and being all about the valley waving to all in her little white car and for the true and loving friend and neighbour that she was.
May she rest in peace in that special spot in Heaven that we know GOD kept especially for her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 11th at 1:00 pm in the O.A.P. Hall, in the Cultural Centre in Cumberland (next door to the museum on Dunsmuir Ave.)
No flowers please; a donation in her name to a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.