Sister, aunt, great-aunt, teacher, educational consultant, author, world traveller, philanthropist. Born June 28, 1915, in Peterborough, Ont. Died Sept. 20 in Peterborough of congestive heart failure, aged 95.
Phyllis Moore left this world and the loving embrace of her family with the same dignity and courage with which she lived her life.
One of four children of Charles Elliott and Eunice Ada Moore, Phyllis was born, raised and schooled in Peterborough, Ont. After her parents' deaths, she and her brother, Don, continued to run the family homestead, Glenmore Farm, a welcoming place for neighbourhood families.
In addition to an active community and family life, Phyllis earned her BA from McMaster University. Two years later, she travelled to New York to complete her MA in education at Columbia University.
Phyllis honed her craft as a master teacher during 20 years in the primary classroom. Her gifts of insight into children and precision in planning were shared for another 20 years with students training under her at Peterborough Teachers' College. In the days leading up to her death, Phyllis was still hosting these students - now retired teachers - at her bedside. This was testimony to her abilities as an educator, her devotion to her students and their love and respect of her.
Phyllis was Peterborough's first primary consultant and was seconded for numerous Ontario Ministry of Education writing and teaching assignments. She was the author or co-author of 20 publications used in schools in Canada and Australia.
The same qualities Phyllis exhibited as an educator were visible in her devotion to her Baptist faith and Gilmour Memorial Baptist Church. She held many leadership responsibilities, including representing Baptist women internationally.
Throughout her life, Phyllis travelled the world. Every Christmas, family members could anticipate a cornucopia of international gifts, shared by Phyllis in her quiet way. She was never one to call attention to herself, but she relished when her family learned where she had been and whom she had met.
Phyllis balanced her service to profession, church, community and her beloved bridge games with an unwavering support of her family. Aunt Phyllis was up to date on the school news, love life, careers, travel and homes of every member of her family.
After moving to Princess Gardens retirement home in 2001, it was Phyllis's practice to extend an invitation for tea and conversation to every new resident. When family and friends visited Phyllis and walked the hallways with her, she knew everyone by name and each of their stories.
These words are too few for such a remarkable woman; Phyllis would be blushing to read them. She will be remembered with great affection. Phyllis taught us so much about service, devotion and love.
By Joanne Ronan Moore, wife of Phyllis's nephew John.