September 19, 1940 - June 30, 2018
Although born in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Mom was one of the few that could truthfully say she was raised and had spent her whole life living in the Parksville/Qualicum area. Moving from Alberta to Errington in August, 1946 with her family, Mom attended Errington Elementary School for grades 1-6; Parksville Jr. High School for grades 7-9; and graduated from Qualicum High School in June of 1958.
Mom was well known for her involvement in family businesses over the years, beginning in 1958 through 1974 as receptionist at the Districts weekly newspaper, the Parksville/Qualicum Beach Progress. That is where she met Dad, and although just out of High School, she learned the whole newspaper business; how to keep books, take in subscriptions, write advertisements, set type and even write the odd story. In 1978 Mom and Dad changed direction and purchased Parksville Chrysler and for the next 16 years Mom again kept that business on the straight and narrow with her bookkeeping and accounting skills.
Always active with volunteer work, she was a member of TOPS, the Parksville and District SOS; and was on the Board of Directors for the newly formed District 69 Minor Hockey Association for several years when the area's first arena was built in 1974. Mom also loved, was involved and accomplished in many sports. A charter member of the Qualicum Curling Club; a member of the Island Championship 5 pin bowling team; and after retirement, a fixture for many years at Qualicum Memorial Golf Course, even bagging a Hole in One! She seldom missed any of my Baseball or Hockey games, and was the best fan that a son could have! Travel was another of Mom's great loves, with winters in Yuma, Arizona and many motor home trips across Canada and the United States to see the sights and explore.
In 2006 the first signs of Alzheimer's started to creep into Mom's life, but even through all the years of the Alzheimer's progression, Mom remained strong till the end. Giving smiles to those that visited her, kept her positive attitude throughout, even though the disease was taking its toll.
Mom was predeceased by her parents Allan and Garnet O'Connor. She is survived by her brother Karl (Connie) O'Connor, Campbell River; her son Steve (Debbie) Phillippe, Qualicum Beach; and her pride and joy, her two grandsons, Kyle Phillippe, Vancouver and Kevin Phillippe, Qualicum Beach; plus a large extended family.
A service will be held on July 12, 2018.
A special Thank You to the 3rd floor staff at the Qualicum Gardens for all of their care and efforts that helped give Mom's last few years as much quality as they could. Anyone wishing to make a donation in Mom's memory, please consider the Canadian Alzheimer's Society.
She was a friend to all, her long struggle is over.€Rest well, we all miss you and love you very much.
Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting€www.qbmemorials.ca, Qualicum Beach Memorial Services, 118 Fern Road E, Qualicum Beach 250-594-0305.
Qualicum Beach Memorial Services