STAPLETON, Phyllis Josephine

December 23, 1938 — November 17, 2023

It is with great sadness and deep love that we announce the loss of Phyllis Stapleton, who passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on November 17, 2023, at the age of 84.

Left to treasure her memory are her loving husband of 59 years, Edward; their two children, Lisa (James Wise) Price and Jeanette (Robert) Vinek; grandchildren, Jesse and Annelise Price and Grace Freiheit; and her sister, Georgette Hricise-Vadnais.

Phyllis was born December 23, 1938, in Rimbey, Alberta, to Joseph Keller and Francis Keller (née Vere). Following the loss of her father during her childhood, Phyllis, alongside her older brothers Edward and Walter “Bert”, relocated to Lethbridge, Alberta with their family.  When their mother married George Smith, the family moved to his family ranch in Harrisville, Alberta, southwest of Cardston. There, they welcomed Phyllis’ baby sister, Georgette.

Phyllis was a special woman of incredible character; an amazing wife, mother, sister, aunty, grandmother, nurse, advocate, trailblazer, and inspiration. She was a fearless woman, ahead of her time, with an iron will, a bigger heart, and a whip smart brain. She was sassy, acerbically funny, fiercely loyal, and protective of her friends and family. She loved hard, and all who were fortunate enough to be loved by her felt it deep in their bones. Phyllis and Edward’s home was always a safe and non-judgmental place for all to land, to be fed, loved, and mentored. It would be impossible to know how many lives she touched as she nursed well into her 70s. 

An introvert by nature, Phyllis chose her friends carefully. Her joy resided in serene moments filled with knitting, card games, reading, baking, strolls through special gardens, cuddling animals, and the melodic tunes of country music. Phyllis particularly loved Christmas; she enjoyed spoiling friends and family with home baked goods, overnight cinnamon buns, and thoughtful gifts. She grinned from ear to ear anytime she could ride a carousel. Family reunions were precious to her, a time to reconnect with loved ones. An item high on her list of fun activities was trips to Vegas with her best friend, Ardith. Phyllis always enjoyed travelling.

The family wish to thank the caregivers that blessed our lives in Phyllis’ later days, particularly Esther Blachford and Sarah Gouwe; we are grateful to you beyond measure.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honour on May 18, 2024 in Cardston, Alberta.

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