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Surrounded by her daughters, Phyllis L. Barrows passed away peacefully March 21, 2025 at the age of 97
Born in New England, Phyllis’s early life was grounded in the simplicity and strength of a small town. In the 1940s, driven by a desire for adventure, she and her best friend moved to Los Angeles. It was there, working as a secretary at LA County General Hospital, that she met Howard Barrows, a clever, thoughtful, and creative young physician whose gentle spirit and intelligence quickly won her heart. Their love was immediate and enduring, and nearly sixty years of marriage followed — years filled with love, laughter, and in their early years, just enough money for a rug and a couch made from an old door.
Their journey together took them to a bohemian apartment in New York City’s Harlem, where they embraced the energy of their new life. As an artist, Phyllis began her career as a potter and later delved into fibre arts, basketry, acrylics and watercolor. Well into her 90s, she shared her passion by teaching watercolor to cancer survivors at Hamilton’s Wellwood, continuing to touch lives with her creativity and artistic inspirations.
Phyllis’s heart was as boundless as her creativity. She welcomed strays into her home— human and animals alike. She was everyone’s favourite mom, not only to her children but to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Phyllis’s selflessness was matched only by her fierce belief in individuality and freedom of thought. Despite her age, she was always progressive in her beliefs and actions, challenging those around her to think critically, creatively and to live authentically.
A passionate gardener, Phyllis tended her flowers and plants with the care of an artist, curating every garden like a living painting. She had a deep love for animals, architecture, and literature, and completed the Hamilton Spectator crossword puzzle every day—always in pen.
Phyllis leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and compassion. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whose lives she shaped in profound ways. Her memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her, and she will be dearly missed.
As per her wishes, the family will be having a private celebration of life. For those wanting to make donations in her name, please direct them to the Hamilton Burlington Royal Botanical Garden a natural treasure Phyllis and Howard truly loved and cherished.
For as long as we can all remember, Phyllis always had this truly apt quote from Hunter S. Thompson taped to her fridge, beside the hundreds of pictures of her family.
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and
well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand strawberries in the other body thoroughly used up totally worn out and screaming. WOO HOO – what a ride!! What a ride indeed!
A life well-lived and loved.
Rest in peace mom.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phyllis, please visit our floral store.
August 31 1927
March 21 2025
Death notice for the town of: Stoney-Creek, Province: Ontario
death notice Phyllis Leona Barrows August 31 1927
March 21 2025
obituaries notice Phyllis Leona Barrows August 31 1927
March 21 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Phyllis Leona Barrows August 31 1927
March 21 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
