MAY, Phyllis Fay May

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Phyllis Fay (O’Neil) May beloved wife of Rev. Dr. John A. May for sixty-three years, peacefully at home surrounded by her family.
Dear daughter and only child of the late Nelson and Mildred (Whitmarsh) O’Neil.
Phyllis was in her ninetieth year, born December 8, 1935.
Dear mother of Mary Catherine & husband Garry Antoine, Andrew & wife Michelle Moore, Carole & husband Alain Coté, and Ellen & her husband Jamie Jensen.
Dear grandmother of Rebecca May (Jeremy), Danielle Antoine (David), Trevor Antoine, Alex & Matthew May, Ethan, Carson & Tristan Jensen, and great-granddaughter Brooke Hermiston.
Phyllis graduated from Napanee District H.S. with a business grade 12 diploma. Went to Albert College to complete grade 13, where she and John met. She returned to university and completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at Wilfred Laurier University in 1971.
Phyllis was a strong supporter of her husband in ministry serving eight pastoral charges for the United Church over 50 years. She contributed to other areas of life such as secretary to Napanee H.S. Principal, and was secretary to the Archivist/Historian of the United Church. Phyllis taught high school commercial subjects in Grimsby, Galt and Sudbury, and taught primary school on Manitoulin Island and in Stirling. Later, she was secretary to the Ottawa Valley United Way, was a librarian for Oshawa Public Library, and served as Director of Big Brothers of Oshawa/Whitby. Phyllis was also an organist for over 20 years at Kedron United Church and Cedardale United Church.
She was an accomplished baker, cook, seamstress, musician, pianist, singer, crafter and an avid reader. Phyllis became a Girl Guide Leader to support her daughters in the Guide movement and continued on to lead others for many years. Also, a camp leader at Camp Quinn Mo Lac and Golden Lake United Church Camp, she inspired many to love the camp experience.
Her passion for travel took her around the globe to many continents several times, a passion which she has passed on to her children and grandchildren. Spending over 50 years at the family cottage at Sand Lake, it was a favourite place and time for Phyllis to gather with her loved ones.
A private service will be held with immediate family at Phyllis’ request, but we do appreciate your love and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation in Phyllis’ name are welcomed.

BARNES MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME