Phyllis Stark

Peacefully on Monday, September 2, 2019, Phyllis Stark, beloved wife of the late Gerald, passed away with her daughter Shannon by her side at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 84 years.

Mom was born in Portage La Prairie on 07 December 1934, second daughter of Jack and Gladys Bourne (nee Martin), an Irish twin to her older sister Audoreen.  A third daughter, Marilyn, followed a few years later.

Mom grew up as a West End girl, with numerous friendships developed and maintained throughout the years.  Due to an intense dislike of Latin, Mom left school at an early age.  She went to work immediately and eventually hired on with the Manitoba Telephone System.

Mom met Dad, who was stationed with the RCAF in Southport at the time, at Delta Beach in 1952.  Many, many letters, post cards and phone calls were to follow before they married on 30 January 1954.

After becoming an “Air Force Wife” (Fondly referred to as “The toughest job in the Air Force”), she joined Dad in numerous postings including North Bay, Ontario (where she gave birth to Shannon in 1955), 4 Wing Baden Baden, Germany (following the birth of Pamela in 1957), Borden, Ontario, Trenton, Ontario and Winnipeg, Manitoba.  During those years, many close, lifelong friendships were established.  They retired to Portage La Prairie with their beloved Cairn Terrier, Robbie, in 1986.

A very talented seamstress, Mom was also proficient in crochet, knit, and needlework projects.  Her family and friends have been gifted with numerous projects she undertook.  Baking was another of her many talents.  “Raisin roughs” often being the most sought after.

The next several years involved hosting friends and family members and a growing number of grandchildren.  Lisa and Lindsay have especially fond memories of summers spent with Gramma and Grampa.  Liljá, her first great grandchild, held a very special place in her heart.

After Dad’s passing in 2000, she lived on her own before moving to Dalton Grove Estates.  She made many friends there and was well liked by all.

Mom enjoyed hosting and attending Dalton Chinese dinners and loved her Saturday morning “Breakfast Club”.  Her sweetness and sense of humour, a trait she kept to the end, were very endearing to people she met.

It wasn’t long before she became a great grandmother, known affectionately as “Gee Gee”.  Teaching her how to use a tablet, was painstaking at times, but following numerous phone calls and hands on instructions, it was definitely worth the effort.  It brought her much happiness that she could share the lives of her family through pictures, emails and Instagram.

Whatever came Mom’s way, she faced it with grace, dignity and without complaint.

She has left many dear friends and family to mourn her passing.  Her memory will be cherished forever by her daughter, Shannon (Keith) Hausauer,  grandchildren, Lisa (Sturn) Vigfusson, Mark (Ruth) Leef, Lindsay (Adrian) Thomas, Kevin (Breanna) Leef, great grandchildren, Liljá and Thor Vigfusson, Aiden Leef, Taylor and Odin Thomas; her daughter Pamela (Jim) Lariviere, grandchildren, Amanda (Jake Janzen) Lariviere, Adam Lariviere and great grandson Van Janzen.

She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Audoreen and Herman Nuhn, her sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Jack Blackmore and many nieces and nephews.

Mom was predeceased by her parents, Gladys and Jack Bourne and her parents in law, Robert and Mary Stark.

Visitation and viewing will be held 10 September 2019 from 3:00 pm to 4 pm. at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  A private family interment is being held.  Mom will be laid to rest beside Dad adjacent to her parents in Evergreen Memorial Garden.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.