October 7, 1927 - November 16, 2022
It is with deep sadness that the family of Phyllis Mary Smuchilla announce her passing on November 16, 2022, just a few weeks after her 95th birthday celebration. Her gentle, loving presence will be missed greatly by her daughter, Charlene Baker, and her four grandchildren, Andrea (Chris), Shanna (Kris), Kristen (Kent), and Ryan Baker. Her great grandchildren Charlize, Aura, Kinsley, and Keaton will miss Grammie dearly.
Phyllis was born in Winnipeg Manitoba to Maria Francesca and John Battista Aiello. She was predeceased by her loving husband Russell Smuchilla; her parents; three sisters, Connie, Margaret, and Genie; brothers-in-law Norman Nelson and Bob Nixon; nephew Don Nixon, and her son-in-law, Ron Baker, whom she loved like a son. She is survived by one sister in Winnipeg, Diana Nixon, as well as her nieces and nephews.
Phyllis moved to Vernon to live closer to her family eighteen years ago. She enriched our lives with her charismatic wit and sense of humour, her warmth and intelligence, her talent for recanting detailed stories about her past, her sense of style and class, and her fierce loyalty and love for her family. Her beautiful smile, wonderful laugh, and incredible spirit will forever live on in our hearts and memories. She will always be a cherished role model whose wisdom and strength of character has touched us all.
A ceremony will be held in Winnipeg at a later date when Phyllis is laid to rest beside her husband Russell. Many thanks to Doctors Flanagan, Murphy, and Spencer for their compassionate care, and to the medical professionals and caregivers who assisted in making life more manageable for Phyllis in the past few years, many who formed close friendships with her.
Mom, God has you in his keeping, and you will live on in our hearts forever.