Phyllis Ann Bjarnarson

            It is with great sadness that the family of Phyllis Bjarnarson announces her passing on October 20, 2020 at Third Crossing Manor.

            Phyllis was born at Tenby, Mb on July 15, 1924 to Garnet and Maud Mayers. She had 4 siblings, Betty, Barbara, Patricia and John.

            Phyllis married Eldred Lackey on July 27, 1946. They had four children- JoAnn, Christine, John and Wanda. Eldred was killed in a hunting accident November 23, 1956.

            In January 18, 1968, Phyllis married Ron Bjarnarson and the family moved to Steele Bridge. Ron had 3 children – Eileen, Brent and Joy. Phyllis and Ron were married 10 years, before Ron died in a small plane accident.

            Phyllis moved back to town in 1981. She worked in the Bank of Montreal in Gladstone for many years. In 2016, she sold her house and moved to Centennial Apts.  In January 2018, Phyllis moved to Third Crossing Manor, where she was known for her sharp mind and friendly smile.

            Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, Garnet and Maud Mayers; husband Eldred Lackey; husband Ron Bjarnarson; siblings Elizabeth Rambaut (Syd); Barbara Lyon (Hon. Sterling); Pat Gardiner (Roy); and John Mayers (Evelyn); an infant son; stepson Brent Bjarnarson, stepdaughter Eileen Fenton; and grandson-in-law Joe Buhr.

            She is survived by her loving children JoAnn Beavington; Christine Whiteman; John Lackey; Wanda Ferguson (Rod), and Joy Donovan (Brian). Her grandchildren Robert Whiteman; Ainsley Armstrong (Erin); Leslie Ferguson, Jenny McIvor (Shaun), David Ferguson (Andrea), Clint Ferguson, Shauna Fenton-Eaves (Matt), Erin Fenton-Limerick (Scott), Adam Donovan, Sean Donovan. Her great-grandchildren are Brooklyn Buhr, Shane Buhr, Jamie Armstrong, Camryn Armstrong, Nathan Armstrong, Emerie Ferguson, Hadley Ferguson, Ivy Ferguson, Dani McIvor, Parker McIvor, Logan McIvor, William Limerick and Fergus Limerick. Phyllis is also survived by her sister-in-law Evelyn Mayers, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

            An active community member and volunteer, including  65 years as a Charter Member of the OORP; an Honorary member of the Legion Auxiliary, an Honorary member of the Gladstone UCW (for whom she was Treasurer for over 30 year), also serving on many Church boards.  She was honoured as Citizen of the Year in Gladstone in 2010; and in 2013 was nominated, by then Mayor Eileen Clarke, to receive recognition by the Manitoba Council on Aging for Outstanding Contributions to the Seniors of Manitoba. She was 89 and received the Award at the Legislative Bldg. in Winnipeg.  She did some travelling with her children, loved playing Bridge all her life, was a fierce Scrabble player, liked doing puzzles and playing Bingo.

            The family appreciates all those who were so good to her: the Bridge ladies; Royal Purple and Legion friends; those who visited or called; and the staff at Third Crossing Manor for their compassionate care. Mom, we loved your strength, your smile and sense of humour. Rest in Peace.

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