Phyllis Kathleen Gilbert (Green)
April 3, 2025
Phyllis passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa at the age of 96.
Predeceased in 2008 by her husband of 31 years, Harold Gilbert. Loving mother of Christine Stewart (and the late Gary), Pauline Clark-Yeo (Robert), and Maureen Hastie (Peter), and stepmother of Greg Gilbert (Jean). Adored grandmother of Christopher Fougere, Michelle Stradling, Paul Clark (Victoria), Andrew Clark (Lauren McIntyre), Ian Bodnaryk (Lisa), Jennifer Van Hoof (Pawel Fischer), Tim Van Hoof (Elysha Park), Hillary Bone (Ethan), Brandon, and Warren. Great-grandmother of Elizabeth, Landon, Matthew, Madisyn, Kaleah, Hailee, Lucas, Waylon, Summer, Colton, Josie, Stephanie, and Tyler. Phyllis will be sadly missed by her extended family and friends.
Phyllis was a remarkable woman whose life was woven with resilience, love, and laughter. Born in the shadow of World War II, she spent her childhood with a bomb shelter in her home and watched as many of her friends were shipped to safety, away from their families—an early testament to her strength and courage. She began working at the age of 14, carrying with her a tireless work ethic and fierce independence that remained with her all her life.
In 1955, Phyllis embarked on a new chapter, making her way to Canada to build a life and family. She dearly loved her mother and cherished the values passed down to her—values she, in turn, instilled in her own family. Phyllis had a deep love for Big Band music and dancing, and her spirited nature made her the life of any gathering. Feisty and full of wit, she had an incredible sense of humor that brought joy to all who knew her. A devoted mother and the heart of her family, she was a true matriarch – steadfast, loving, and strong.
She found comfort in simple pleasures: knitting, a good cup of tea, and the closeness of family. Her stories, rich with history, humor, and heart, are treasures that her family will hold onto forever. Phyllis will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Her legacy lives on in the memories shared, the laughter echoed, and the love that binds her family together.
Please join with the family at Visitation on Friday, April 11th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home, 124 King Street East, Oshawa. A private family service will take place followed by interment at Thornton Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Phyllis can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Durham or Sick Kids Hospital.
Service Details:
Visitation: Friday, April 11th, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Armstrong Funeral Home, 124 King Street East, Oshawa, Ontario L1H 1B6
Interment: Thornton Cemetery, 1200 Thornton Rd. N., Oshawa, Ontario L1J 0C9
Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Armstrong Funeral Home.
