Phyllis Joyce Humphreys

Phyllis Joyce (Phyl or PJ) Humphreys, 98, slipped away quietly on September 18, 2023 with family by her side. She was born in Halifax on November 6, 1924 to Mabel and James Henry Gardiner. We are all grateful to have had so many wonderful years with her.

Mom grew up in north end Halifax and worked as a secretary at Cousins Dry Cleaners before meeting and marrying our Dad in 1950. They moved to Trinidad for Dad’s work shortly after getting married and lived there for about 2 years. This was the first of many work related moves and sparked mom’s interest in travel. Work moves included Sarnia, ON; Innisfail, AB; St. Bruno, Que; Ft. McMurray, AB; and Edmonton, AB. While in Sarnia, the family grew from two members to six. Mom stayed home to raise her little bundles of joy! Through work related moves and family vacations, Mom was able see most of Canada, Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska. Mom and Dad also enjoyed other relaxing vacations on their own in England, Scotland and the Caribbean.

Mom’s love of animals was strongly rooted, having grown up in a household that bred Pekinese and Scottie dogs. There were always pets in our family - dogs, cats and even horses. The cats and dogs were usually strays one of us had brought home. Mom welcomed them in and became VERY attached to each and every one of them.

Our house was always a hot spot for Bridge Club and entertaining for Dad’s work events or for all manner of family gatherings. Mom was the hostess with the most-est. She also returned to work as the Office Administrator for Dad’s Consulting firm for a period of time after we were grown.

Mom moved back to her childhood home in Halifax in the 1980’s and cared for her own Mom and Dad until their passing.

Her strong faith in God led her to become a long time member of the St. Margaret’s of Scotland Anglican Church community. In 1984, she took the trip of her lifetime to see the Oberammergau Passion Play and to visit Israel. She always treasured her memories from that exciting excursion.

If Mom wasn’t at home, she was probably on the golf course. She played until she was well into her 80’s when a shoulder injury took her off the fairways. When she couldn’t play golf any more, she watched all her favourites pros play for countless hours on TV. It was her passion.

Mom also reconnected with a childhood classmate, Gus. Together they continued to golf (before her injury) and to travel in Canada and the Caribbean. Although she had played Cribbage for years, Mom really got serious about her game. She would happily teach the game to those who wanted to learn, especially her grandchildren!

When Mom could no longer maintain her home on Merkel Street in Halifax, she moved to the Berkeley in Dartmouth. She had wonderful staff to help her and she made many new friends. Sadly, after several years there, declining mobility led her to move to longer term care. She spent several months on 3 East at the Veteran’s Memorial, where again she met new friends and was welcomed by caring staff.

In 2019, she moved into Northwood Centre. There she played loads of Cribbage and spent many hours watching golf, sometimes on her own or with family. The staff who are golfers (or the ones who aren’t), would drop in to check on the progress of the games. A very special thank you to Mom’s 4 Centre family for their compassion, friendship and the home they created for her these past 4 years.

Surviving are her children: Susan Humphreys-Vermeer (Mike), St. Andrews NS; Paul Humphreys (Chris) Sherwood Park, AB; Ruth Helliwell (Jim Penney) Dartmouth NS; Kevin Humphreys (Cheryl) Stony Plain, AB. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Rena Hunter (Adam), Julie Vermeer, Pam Hreys-Martin (Johnny) , Ben Humphreys (Lyta Sarasith), Ken Humphreys, Scott Humphreys (Danielle LeBlanc), Taylor Helliwell, Sarah Helliwell, Neil Humphreys, Dawn Humphreys and Seth Humphreys. She was also the proud Great Grandmother of Caitland, Navena, Alexander and Martha.

From the Humphreys family, Mom is survived by her last surviving sister-in-law, Kathleen Humphreys-Fuchs (Johnny) in Red Deer, AB, as well as many nieces and nephews across the country and abroad.

Besides her parents, Phyllis was predeceased by her former husband Reginald D. (Reg or RD) Humphreys; her long time companion Angus (Gus) Johnston; along with many, many other dear and beloved family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday September 27th at JA Snow Funeral Home, Lacewood Drive