Obituary of Phyllis Ruby MOTT (nee Douglas)

March 31, 1928– Crandall, Manitoba
June 28, 2021– Calgary, Alberta

Our mother, Phyllis R. Mott (Douglas), passed away on Monday, June 28, 2021, at 93. This date is significant as it was her wedding anniversary. When Dad (Bernard Christopher) passed away on August 3, 2007, they had been married for 60 yrs.

Phyllis, youngest of seven children, spent her early years on the family farm in western Manitoba, pioneered by her grandparents in the1800’s. Following graduation Mother moved to Winnipeg to enroll in university to become a pharmacist, but the requisite financial support did not materialize. Several years later, she met and married our father.

Mother had a successful career as the manager for The Bay’s sole   Winnipeg Bridal Salon. She excelled and felt fulfilled in selecting and purchasing the department’s merchandise and in developing relationships with clientele and suppliers.  

Over the years Mom and Dad enjoyed an active social life but she was selective in cultivating close friendships. In 1987 our parents sold their Winnipeg home and moved to Brentwood Bay and later to Gorge Pointe, Esquimalt on Vancouver Island. They flourished – exploring the scenic countryside, attending local events, and adding new friendships. Avid travellers, intent on experiencing other cultures, Mom and Dad toured 35 countries. One memorable trip was an extended tour of China organized and guided by a friend.  Mom, always adventuresome, ate the regional dishes including snake and insects, while Father ate the vegetables, but later devoured the soda crackers and peanut butter he had stashed. 

Mom ensured Christmas was special.  In latter years Christmas Eve was at Bouchard Gardens touring the themed venues followed by dining at the family’s former residence. 

Mom was loving, poised, tolerant, resourceful, gracious, financially astute, graceful, and elegant. She was quick to laugh, and although an extrovert to whom people gravitated, she was extremely private.  

Mom’s final days were spent in Suzanne and Warren’s home receiving continual care and support. She died knowing that she was loved, treasured, and would be missed.

Heartfelt thanks to the staff of All About Seniors (Calgary) and the Alberta Palliative Care for their warm, caring, and knowledgeable  support. We also acknowledge our thanks to the extended Douglas, Mott, and Stones family members lies with a special acknowledgment to Kay Jolly, Chris and Michelle Mott, Mireille Auclaire, David Stones and Marilyn Williams, Ev Nesbitt, Eileen Bartlette, Gorge Pointe Seniors, Luana Semchuk, and to all those who positively touched Mother’s life.  We also thank the McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes for their compassion and assistance.

Suzanne Mott and Warren Simmons
Sandra Mott-James and Carl James

Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.  In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca, or The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB  T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com.  

In living memory of Phyllis Mott, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.