Our family is sad to announce the passing of Barbara Marilyn Phillips on March 5, 2020. Barbara was born in Vernon on May 2, 1933, the first child of Thomas and Winnifred Swift. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Bill Swift. She is survived by her husband of over sixty-six years, Mark Phillips, her children Rick Phillips (Gisele), Marilyn Koroll (Jeff), her sister Pat Dyck (Tony), grandchildren Jessica (Kurtis), Kris and Reid, and great-grandchild Griffin.
Barbara spent the first ten years of her life in Vernon, growing up on Pine Street (now 39th Ave) behind the Civic Arena. She attended Central School (now Beairsto) and enjoyed the freedom that came with being a child in the 1930's. When she was eight years old new neighbors moved in next door. Those new neighbors had a ten-year-old son named Mark Phillips. A friendship blossomed immediately, one that would last almost eighty years. Even when Barb's family moved to Shuswap Falls in 1943, Mark would first ride his bike, and later drive his parent's 1930 Buick, there and back to visit. Their friendship would grow into a relationship that was highlighted by their marriage in 1953. That friendship would be the foundation on which they built their lives together. Barbara graduated from Charles Bloom High School in Lumby in 1951. Barb and Mark attended Normal School in Victoria together, where they earned their Teaching Certificates. They taught in Vernon, Salmon Arm and the Emerald Mine school near Nelson, where Rick was born in 1957. The growing family returned to Vernon in 1959 where Marilyn was born in 1960. In 1967, Barb and her family moved to Lumby for six eventful years, returning to Vernon in 1973. She would spend the rest of her years in Vernon. When Mark retired in 1987, he and Barb travelled extensively. Trips to England, Hawaii, Mexico and throughout Canada and the United States were experiences Barb loved recalling. When her grandchildren were born, beginning with Jessica in 1987, a whole new outlet for her love and attention was opened. Barb was a kind, happy and loving person. She lived a full life with a toe planted firmly in every decade. She will be profoundly missed by her family and friends.
Our family would like to thank the staff at Creekside Landing for their love and care over the last few years, and particularly for making her last days as comfortable as possible.
A family "Celebration of Life" will be held at a later date.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's on-line obituary @ www.MyAlternatives.ca
Arrangements entrusted to Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services ® Vernon 250-558-0866 & Armstrong 250-546-7237
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services