Phyllis Irene Yorke

Phyllis Irene Yorke

August 12, 1930 – October 29, 2026

Phyllis Irene Rye was born on August 12, 1930, in the Keswick-Sutton area, where she was raised and spent much of her life. She passed away peacefully on October 29, 2026, at the remarkable age of 96.

During the Second World War, Phyllis met the love of her life, Claude George Yorke, at a Red Cross dance. They married on October 16, 1948, beginning a lifelong partnership and building a family that would always remain at the centre of their lives.

Phyllis spent much of her adult life as a farmer’s wife, working alongside Claude while raising their five children: Garfield (1949–1952), Linda (Diane), Paul (Debbie), Sharon (Ed), and Brenda. Life on the farm was busy and demanding, but family was always at the heart of everything she did.

Phyllis and Claude were both actively involved in their church, where Phyllis played the organ for a number of years. Music held a special place in her life, and some of the family’s fondest memories are of evenings when Mom would sit at the piano while Dad accompanied her on the guitar. Those simple evenings at home, filled with music and togetherness, became treasured family memories.

Phyllis was also an active member of her community, serving as a 4-H Leader and participating in the Eastern Star and Women’s Institute. Outside the home and farm, she worked at Doran’s clothing store and the Keswick Post Office.

Farm life called for many different skills, and Phyllis was never afraid of hard work. She drove the tractor, helped

with the everyday barn chores and even acted as a midwife when the farm animals were giving birth. Babies needing extra care often found their way into the house, where Phyllis bottle-fed and cared for piglets, lambs, bunnies, pigeons and chicks. Somehow, even with farm animals occasionally sharing her home, she always managed to keep it clean, neat and tidy.

Phyllis and Claude worked hard throughout their lives and made many sacrifices so their children could have more. Their devotion to their family was reflected not only in what they provided, but in the values they passed down through the generations.

Phyllis had a wonderful sense of humour and a beautiful smile. She had a way of making people feel loved, and her children never had to question just how deeply she loved them.

Nothing brought her greater joy or pride than her family. Her children, grandchildren Heather (Jim), Hollie (Steve, 1979–2026) and Carter (Ashley), and great-grandchildren Broden and Tysen were the most important part of her life. She took tremendous pride in watching her family grow and in seeing those she loved become independent, successful and happy.

And then, of course, there was her apple pie.

Phyllis made a wicked apple pie, and those fortunate enough to have enjoyed one can probably still taste it just thinking about her. It was one of those simple, special things that became part of who Mom was and will forever bring back memories of home, family and time spent together.

Over the course of her 96 years, Phyllis witnessed extraordinary changes in the world. She lived through the Second World War, watched a man walk on the moon, and saw society transformed by computers and the arrival of

the digital age. Yet through all those changes, the things that mattered most to her remained remarkably constant: family, love, music, hard work and the simple joys of everyday life.

Phyllis’s legacy cannot be measured simply by the number of years she lived or the things she accomplished. It lives in the family she and Claude built, the sacrifices they made, the values they passed on, the love she gave so freely, the laughter she shared and the countless memories that will continue to be told for generations to come.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the nurses, daily caregivers and doctors at Hillsdale Estates, which Phyllis called home for the past several years. We are grateful for the care and kindness shown to her during her time there. A special thank you to Marcia, Mom's caregiver.

Celebration of Life

Family and friends are warmly invited to join us on Saturday, January 9, 2027, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Forest & Taylor Funeral Home, 20846 Dalton Road, Sutton, as we gather to celebrate Phyllis’s life.

Refreshments will be served throughout the afternoon. At 2:00 p.m., the family will share a brief presentation of memories.

We invite everyone who knew and loved Phyllis to come together, share stories and memories, enjoy one another’s company, and help us celebrate the remarkable 96-year life of our beloved Mom, Gram, Great Grama and Phyllis.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Alzheimer's Association.