Obituary of Phyllis Irene Gillam

Phyllis Irene Gillam

September 11, 1933-June 1, 2026

Corner Brook, NL

A Life Cherished

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Phyllis Gillam on June 1, 2026. Left to celebrate her life are daughters Susan (Derrick Watton), Janet (Mario Fitzpatrick), Norma (Michael Tulk), and Carol Anne (Paul Wight); special niece and nephew Stephen and Linda Watton (Rhoady Hickey); grandchildren Thomas (Kayla Lowe) and Maria Fitzpatrick, Lindsey, Gavin (Brianna Rayson) and Stephen Tulk, Allison (Joshua Marych) and Heather (Ryan Gillam) Wight; brother John (Alva) Vardy and niece Jennifer (Matthew Little) and nephew Mark (Laura); and sister-in-law Annie Gillam. Phyllis was also a cherished Grammie to Megan and Kate Hickey, and leaves behind a large circle of loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, William Thomas “Tom” Gillam, as well as her parents Mark and Carolyn Perrett Vardy; brothers Billy, Garland (Rowena) and sister Patricia (Robert Watton); brothers- in-law Heber, Arthur, George, Sam, Jack, Jim, and Ambrose, and sisters-in-law Joyce, Sylvia, Sarah, Hannah, Blanche, and Violet.

Phyllis was born in Curling in September 1933. Her life was filled with family, friends, and a love of quilting, knitting, baking, and gardening. Phyllis loved spending time at her cabin in Bonne Bay Pond and at home in Curling. Phyllis was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her quick wit, determination, and kindness will be remembered by all who knew her.

In her later years, Phyllis lived with dementia with extreme grace. We send our sincere appreciation to Nicole Lafosse, Registered Nurse Community Support Program. Mom received excellent care by Lawrence McCarthy, Nurse Practitioner of the Western Regional Virtual Care team, as well as Dr. Allison Howley and Jillian Ryan, Nurse Practitioner of the Home Dementia Care Team. We are grateful to all who truly brightened Mom’s life over the years, and would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our special home support workers Madonna Elford, Denise Prior and Tina Sayeedi.  It is never an easy journey, but we are so thankful for your caring and compassionate approach.

Our family would like to thank Dr. Tracey Wentzel and the staff of Western Memorial Regional Hospital Unit 4B who cared for her over the past week. As well, we would like to acknowledge the many years of exemplary care provided to Mom and Dad by Dr. Philip Morris, who they always spoke highly of.

Friends and family are welcome to attend the visitation at Fillatre’s Funeral Home (218 Curling Street) on Sunday, June 7^th  from  2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 pm. The funeral service will be held on Monday, June 8^th  at 2:00 pm. at St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church (456 Curling Street), with internment to follow.

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to St. Mary the Virgin Church or a charity of your choice.  A random act of kindness in Phyllis’ memory will also be deeply appreciated.  The family guest book may be signed by visiting www.fillatre.ca.