Obituary of Phyllis Hayter
On Thursday, March 30, 2023, Phyllis became one of our angels. Passing peacefully surrounded by her most treasured gifts, her children, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
Born on August 21, 1947 in Pleasant Valley, Phyllis spent her younger years there until she moved to attend Teachers College in Truro. After graduating she then moved to Lansdowne to start her married journey, here she raised her family and then called Lansdowne home.
Phyllis was the loving mother to Tamara (Chad), Halifax and Travis, Calgary AB; proud Nanny to Makennah her beloved granddaughter, who was her pride and joy. She is also survived by her brother Gordon, Westville; sister Beverly, Toronto; sisters in law Margaret Sutherland and Cline Marshall; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a very special cousin Doug (Evie); and a very special lady near and dear to Phyllis, who she called her niece Heather.
Phyllis said goodbye to her loving husband of 36 years Sheldon in 2004.
She was also predeceased by her parents Bessie and Gordon Sutherland; in laws Henry and Lottie Hayter; brother Robert; sisters in law Betty-Jean Sutherland, Helen MacLeod, Marie Grunland, Myrtle Matheson, Ann Hayter, Lillian Hayter and Ilene MacCullum; brothers in laws James MacLeod, Douglas Marshall, Charles Hayter, Guy Hayter, Frank Grunland and Robert Matheson; nieces Janet Cogswell and special friend and niece Judy Davidson; and nephews Shane Marshall and Lyle Hayter.
Phyllis was a mentor to many through her 34 years as a teacher at Thorburn Consolidated School and throughout life after her retirement she would often run into past students who she would recognize and say “I taught them”. Her ability to recognize students after 20-30 years was astounding! Upon retirement she spent many hours digging, planting and grooming her yard to make her small flower oasis, her sanctuary. Baking was also her labour of love, spending countless hours making biscuits, cookies, loaves and many pans of squares. Those of you who were the recipient of her baking can attest that she loved to bake and share all her goodies with family and friends. Her biscuits were made with something no recipe could capture. Phyllis was an avid reader and would be found many summer days sitting on the deck enjoying a good book. Being a lady of great faith, the church was her sanctuary. She touched so many lives in her many years as a member of Middle River Presbyterian Church, until her illness stopped her from attending in person. Being an elder and an integral part of the AMS, and of course singing her heart out in the choir.
To know this loving, caring lady was a blessing. The world will not be the same without her kindness.
Cremation has taken place under the care of Eagles Funeral Home, Westville. A grave side service will take place for family and close friends on Sunday at Birch Hill Cemetery, Middle River at 2 p.m. A “Celebration of Life” will be held for all to come and remember Phyllis at the Alma Fire Hall at 3 p.m. with a pot luck meal. Phyllis always loved a good pot luck. She would often say “Oh look at those” or "I must try that, it looks delicious”. So please come and share and reminisce with the family over many delicious treats.
The family would like to thank the VON, Northern Home Health, and the Palliative Care Nurses of the Aberdeen Hospital.
Donations in Phyllis memory may be made to Middle River Presbyterian Church, The Canadian Cancer Society, or Viola’s Place.
Our family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to all who have supported us during this very difficult time, and to all of those who had a chance to know our mom and be touched in some way by her love and kindness. We hope you hold those memories close and cherish them and remember to always “Be Kind”.
Mom is finally at peace and free of pain and suffering!
"Love is patient, Love is kind"~1 Corinthians 13