Phyllis Beerenfenger
27-May-1939 – 07-Jun-2022
Phyllis Joyce (Nee: Gayle) Beerenfenger lived a life of service to others. She was a faithful mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world suddenly on June 7, 2022, at the age of 83. She was born to Jerimiah Gayle and Leanora Johnson Gayle on May 27, 1939, in Spalding Clarendon, Jamaica.
She was a devoted mother to Claudia Jarrett (pre-deceased), O’Brian Edwards, Paul (Anne) Holness, Phillip (Sonia) Holness, Debbie (Kirk) Holness Miller, and Dean Holness. She was the beloved sister of Monica Gwendolyn Gayle Hussey (pre-deceased), Lesline Gayle Clarke, Lawrence Oliver Gayle(pre-deceased), Winston Churchill Douglas, and Sybil Loretta (nee Lumley) Hall (pre-deceased). Phyllis will be deeply missed by grandchildren(17), great-grandchildren(14), great-great-grandchildren(7), nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and co-workers.
Phyllis was a phenomenal woman from a hard-working family. She was a trailblazer who defied adversity and built a successful nursing career and life after immigrating to Ottawa, Canada in 1970 in search of a better life for herself and her family.
Phyllis graduated from St. Lawrence College as a registered nurse in 1992. She obtained similar designations in the state of Florida and New York. She administered care in private homes and in hospitals in Ottawa where she received many commendations and served as a mentor to many of her colleagues.
She was known for her love of family. She instilled in her children a strong sense of self and high moral values. Her life was one of tremendous sacrifice, yet she lived it with honour and grace. She believed in the power of prayer and would often recommend getting on your knees before bed. She understood the need for formal education and possessed a strong work ethic. These values along with kindness and sensitivity are evident in each of her children.
Her warm smile and distinctive laughter always made you feel welcomed. She loved sharing stories of her childhood growing up in Jamaica. Birthdays and holidays always included her delicious meals, rum cakes, and other baked treats. She was a skilled seamstress, who loved embroidery and knitting. When not practicing her artistry, she was busy inspiring her family, church sisters, and friends to stay physically active by walking daily.
Phyllis will be fondly remembered as a kind, giving person of great compassion. She will be deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing her and being loved by her. The family would like to thank the nurses, personal care attendants, staff at the Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus, and all the friends and family that lent their support through this difficult time.
Friends may pay their respects at Kelly Funeral Home 3000 Woodroffe Ave, Nepean, 613-823-4747 on Saturday, June 25, 2022, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 7:00 – 9:00 pm.
The funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Sunday, June 26, 2022.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation on her behalf. The family recommends that guests wear a mask and respect physical distancing.
Condolences and Sharing Memories at: www.arbormemorial.ca/en/kelly-barrhaven.