August 21, 1922 – January 29, 2017
When Mum passed away we lost our Matriarch, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt Phyll and loyal Friend. Phyllis Joan was born on August 21, 1922 in Charlottetown P.E.I. to William and Evelyn Agnew. Phyllis was predeceased by her husband Oliver Miller Holmes and was the last of her siblings in her family Agnew clan. Mum is survived by her daughters Joanne Holmes, Joy Schellenberg (David), Geri Eakins (John), and sons Ken Holmes and Chris Holmes (Lisa), her grandchildren Oliver, Marni, Ken, Zoe, Ben, Cassie, Zachary, Jaxson, Chloe and her great grandchildren Izzy and Bridgette. Mum affectionately referred to her children as her “Bairns”. Phyllis spent her childhood years in Cardigan P.E.I with a devoted and loving family. Her favourite author was Lucy Maude Montgomery of “Anne of Green Gables”. With a diploma in stenography and shorthand Phyllis signed up with the RCA and was deployed to London U.K. for two years. Phyllis remained an ardent member of the Legion, travelled to Holland with Veedam Sister City Association, representing and speaking for her fellow veterans and annually participated in the Remembrance Day activities. After the War was over Mum met our Dad on P.E.I., they married in 1947 and within two years made the journey across Canada to the West Coast. They settled in White Rock, BC for 35 years and upon retirement in 1991 moved to Kelowna. Mum was gifted with a relentless zest for life that she shared with whomever she came into contact with; embracing everything with enthusiasm. Phyllis led a ‘Large Life’ with her organizational skills, love of costume/theatre, poetry, music and entertainment. Ambitious, Phyllis had a successful career in Real Estate, was a councillor on the School Board and an active member in First Baptist Church and community. Mum's competitive nature made her a formidable force on the croquet lawn, bridge table, and all games. Mum was strong, capable, independent and fun loving; a skilled poem writer and orator, avid reader, great cook, hostess, teacher, nurturing and efficient homemaker. Phyllis Joan will be greatly missed. Her family would like to thank all the lovely people and friends that helped make a positive difference in her daily life. Particularly Dr. Mark Clark, her companion Lois and friend Marilyn, the staff at Ethel Glen Cottonwoods for their care and kindness during the past two years. A Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church, 1309 Bernard Ave, Kelowna on Friday, February 10th, 2017 at 11 a.m., Private family inurnment will take place in the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Bible Society in memory of Phyllis. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com . Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC. 250-762-2299

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