Phyllis Gagne
October 05, 1939 – June 10, 2020
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Phyllis Margaret Gagne at her place of residence in Dryden, Ontario.
Phyllis will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her husband Pete Gagne, her daughters Lori Koroscil (Robert); Brenda Roy (Roger) as well as her grandchildren Jesse; Bobby; Joe Koroscil; Nick (Erica) Roy; Kristie (Matt) Sinclair. Her great grandchildren Aaron; Gemma and Wyatt.
Phyllis fought hard in her final days to remain at home during her illness to spend as much time as possible with her loved ones. We will be forever grateful for her bravery in allowing us the time to say good bye.
She was an amazing strong independent woman who led our family by example. We loved nothing more than to come home, wherever mom was felt like a soft place to land where we felt her comfort and love unconditionally.
Phyllis was born in Rainy River where she graduated high school and met the love of her life Pete Gagne. Pete & Phyllis moved to Atikokan from Pinewood in the early sixties to raise their young family. Both of them would end up working at Steep Rock Mine where Phyllis was known for her work ethic and ability to accomplish any job or task given to her. This was at a time over 40 years ago when a woman working in the mines was not a common thing.
After the mine closed she went on to work at Pluswood Mill where she was a knife sharpener, forklift operator, among other things and proved once again her ability to excel in any work environment. Phyllis also worked many summers planting trees and was still trying to spend her “tree planting” money many years later. Pete & Phyllis moved to Dryden in the early eighties where Phyllis enjoyed working at the Northern Store until her retirement. She spent her time volunteering at the Dryden Big Brothers & Sisters Club, Newfie Club and other charitable organizations that where close to her heart.
During her retirement years they would spend many happy summers at their farm where they started life together in October of 1959. Phyllis loved to go over to the casino’s in the States. Lots of road trips and memories were made together during these years. Her niece Linda Rothwell was especially close, they planted trees, played baseball, went on weekly to trips the casino and spent time together at the farm. We will miss her always and life will never be the same without her.
Phyllis is also survived by her sister Sharon Marmus (Bill); brother Jerry; sisters-in- law; Snookie Jarvis; Yvonne (Gord) Briese and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents George & Mae Marchuk; brothers Donny (Jean); Dick (Lorna); Dennis; Steven Marchuk. As well as her in-laws Hector & Leopauldine Gagne; brothers-in-law Alphonse; George (Isabelle) Gagne; and sisters-in-law Elise
(Paul) Grouette; Toni (Ken) Duclos; Lillian (Cliff) Van Norman.
If friends desire, donations may be made to DRHC Oncology Unit online or through Stevens Funeral Homes, PO Box 412, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca
The Family Tree
There is a tree within my house, a tree with many lives
It holds within its great branches, a tale that makes it thrive
Among its leaves are many faces of those from whom I came
Its bark is a strength of family, its roots became my name
The tree is very precious, it has lived untold years
It will live on in life and memory, and both will bring joy and tears
My family tree is a treasure that I’ll pass on to mine
They will nurture it and make it grow until the end of time
-Author unknown-
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Phyllis Gagne October 05 1939 June 10 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Dryden, Province: Ontario