Published: Sunday 1 June 2025
Sunday, October 20th, 1929 – Saturday, March 15th, 2025
Phyllis Pinnock (née Kelly) was a remarkable woman whose life story is a testament to courage, faith, and enduring love. Born on October 20, 1929, in Golden Grove, St. Ann, Jamaica, Phyllis embarked on a pioneering journey that would leave a lasting legacy for her family and community. In 1955, she was among the select 3,000 Caribbean women who came to Canada under the historic West Indian Domestic Scheme, a program recognized nationally for its significance in shaping Canadian society and Caribbean-Canadian heritage.
As one of these trailblazing women, Phyllis was extremely humble in sharing her story and faced many challenges navigating a new country with resilience and grace. She began her journey working as a domestic worker, then dedicated many years to healthcare as a Personal Support Worker and later as a Registered Nursing Assistant, exemplifying her commitment to caring for others. Her work ethic and determination opened doors not only for herself but also paved the way for future generations.
Phyllis was known for her warm heart and generous spirit. Her home in Hammond helped to raise 3 different generations. It was a haven of hospitality, filled with laughter, music, delicious meals, and the joy of gatherings. Beyond her culinary talents, she nurtured her garden with pride, created beautiful crafts through sewing and knitting, and blessed her church community with her beautiful singing voice. Above all, Phyllis’ life was anchored in her deep love for Jesus Christ. She worshipped daily and inspired her family to walk in faith, a legacy that continues as she now sings with the angels.
Phyllis’s family was her greatest treasure. She was predeceased by her beloved husband John, daughter Yvonne, and siblings Alvis, Nathan, and Wilbert. She leaves behind her children Evett, Winston, Lincoln, and Michael, along with 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and her siblings Hugh, Leslyn, Edwin, Patrick, Velta, and Joseph. Her legacy lives on in each of them, carried forward by the values she instilled and the love she freely gave.
Her journey from Jamaica to Canada, her dedication to service, and her unwavering faith serve as a powerful reminder of the strength found in hope and love. Phyllis Pinnock’s life story inspires pride and gratitude, reminding us all of the profound impact one life can have when lived with purpose and devotion. She will be deeply missed, her laugh will ring in our memories and she will be forever cherished as a shining example of faith, family, and fortitude.
Join us on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
Wake: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, St. Mary’s Anglican Church, at 3480 Trim Road, Navan, ON.
Church service: 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon.
Interment: Bearbrook Cemetery, 8785 Russell Road, Navan, ON.
Celebration of life: Bourget Community Center, 19 Lavigne St, Bourget, ON, until 6:00pm.
For floral arrangements please inform the florist to ensure that they arrive at Hulse, Playfair and McGarry (315 McLeod Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 1A2) before 5:00pm on May 16th, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, you’re welcome to make a donation to Diabetes Canada.
Hi Friends! Thank you for featuring my Grandmother. We are in the process of updating the obituary to include the recorded funeral service for folks that couldn’t attend. Not sure if that means your website will need an update but we appreciate it.