DONNELLY, Phyllis Mary Amy (nee Watkins)
March 13, 1936 – July 8, 2022
Phyllis Donnelly, aged 86 years, passed away in Nanaimo, BC on July 8, 2022. Phyllis was born in New Westminster, BC the daughter of Fred and Agatha Watkins. Phyllis enjoyed along career teaching elementary students, and music classes. She married Cst. Donald Donnelly on July 7, 1956 and lived the adventures of an RCMP wife, while teaching at various small town schools, and raising six children. Her husband Donald passed away in 1988. Music was a passion to the entire family and creative endeavours such as the Barrhead Country Opry, Barrhead Centennial Choir, Barrhead Farmers’ Marching Band filled her spare time when not teaching or serving as County Councillor. Phyllis had a selfless and outpouring heart that saw many hand knitted donations go to the Nanaimo Hospital Foundation for the comfort of preemie babies and other patients needing comfort. She also took pleasure in delivering Christmas meals to the housebound on Christmas Day on the snowbound streets of Edmonton. She had a very giving heart. She was living at Woodgrove Manor in Nanaimo and spoke highly of the tender care given by all the staff at her home. She will be missed by many, but loved eternally.
Phyllis leaves to cherish her loving memory her six children: Sheilagh Todd (Tim) of Tacoma WA, Patricia Donnelly (Douglas) of Nanoose Bay BC, Kimberly Donnelly of Errington BC, Colleen Hook (John) of Enderby BC, Donalda Rempel (Larry) of Nanoose Bay, BC and Michael Donnelly (Teresa) of Peers, AB. She also leaves 21 precious grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren, ahost of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, who brought her immeasurable joy.
Phyllis was honoured with a celebration of life on Friday, July 15, 2022 where love, music, memories and happy tears were shared. She will be interred next to her late husband on September 30th at 2:00 pm at a graveside service at Holy Cross Cemetery Mosside, AB in County of Barrhead. It will be open to anyone wishing to honour her memory.
