Obituary of Phyllis Jenny Barnes

July 11, 1927 – December 22, 2020

Phyllis was born to Jessie Angeline Reed (née Sucee) and John Bernacle Reed, in Red Deer, Alberta. She was eldest sister to Jack, Barbara (Daoust), and Patricia (Murphy/Thompson), and they grew up in Trail, B.C.

Phyllis graduated from the University of Victoria’s Normal School— “Where you went in normal and came out teach­ers”—in 1948. She married George Wilfred Barnes in 1950.

“Mrs. Barnes” taught elementary school in Trail, Nelson, Fernie and Cranbrook, B.C., and was loved by many of her students through the years.

Phyllis had two children, John, and Patricia. She was a caring, protective, and inspiring mother, who was devoted to her family.

Widowed in 1975, Phyllis met her second husband, George William Morris, in 1985. They enjoyed 35 years together and shared many happy times until she moved into a long-term care in early 2020. Phyllis excelled at making friends and could chat with anyone.  She joined Beta Sigma Phi in 1956 and loved the enduring friendships of her sorority sisters.

Phyllis was predeceased by her parents and siblings, her first husband, her niece Corin Murphy and her grand-nephew Brandon Daoust.

She is survived by her husband, George, her children, her grand­daughter, Suzanne Coulter, many nieces and nephews, and her sister-in-law, Lula Reed.

Phyllis’s family would like to thank the caring staff of Kootenay Street Village, Cranbrook Home Support, and the EK Regional Hospital. Phyllis struggled through painful conditions; every kind gesture helped her feel a bit better.

She was known as a woman with a strong spirit, a champion of her family, a beloved teacher, loyal friend, great hostess and formidable wit. Phyllis ‘intended to live forever.’ For now, and for always, she lives in us.

We miss her deeply.

A Celebration of Life for Phyllis Barnes will be held on July 11, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Cranbrook’s Westlawn Cemetery, the service will be available to view live, go onto www.mcphersonfh.com at click on LIVE SERVICES at the top.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com