Phyllis Graham Thorn
March 2, 1948 - 2025
As published in the February 3, 2025 World-Spectator
Phyllis was born on March 2, 1948 to Gilbert and Patricia Graham on a farm 3 miles east of Wellwood, Manitoba. She was the middle child of five—Joanne Titus (Jack), Garry (Barb), Dennis (Wendy) and Myles (Pat). She loved the farm life and the bond she built with each of her siblings. She was predeceased by all of her family.
Phyllis went to school in Wellwood through grade 10, then to Unity Collegiate in Brookdale for 11 and 12. Not only was she a great student, she was also a very good athlete, enjoying basketball, volleyball, and track. Following high school, she graduated from Brandon Business College and entered a career in office work at a number of places over the next few years.
She met Bill at the tender age of 14. They dated through high school and were married in 1970. Their first home was in Portage la Prairie. In 1974 they moved to Weyburn and in 1980 bought the Ford dealership in Moosomin where they continue to live. Phyllis was an active, dedicated and intricate partner, doing a variety of duties over the 25 years they owned the business.
Phyllis and Bill were blessed with three wonderful children: Angela (Tyler), Tyler (Gloria), and Ryan (Randi). Phyllis was very proud of each of them and the six grandchildren they gave her—Chance and Ava (Angela), Anika and Jessa (Tyler), and Dayton and Dane (Ryan). We were so fortunate to have them all choose to make Moosomin their home. Getting together was easy, often and giving us many memories of a wonderful Mother and lifelong Partner.
Some 28 years ago, the Graham family began an annual summer gathering. It is always well attended and a highlight of Phyllis’s summer. It will continue on in memory of her, her sister and her brothers.
For 40 years our cottage at White Bear Lake was our weekend retreat. The beautiful golf course was a daily activity—BUT “apres golf” was the real attraction! Getting together with friends and neighbors for meals, campfires and a few Lab Lites produced many laughs and stories that will be shared for years to come. Travelling with Phyllis was always fun. When we weren’t at the cabin, golf trips throughout western Canada and the northern U.S. were often and enjoyable. Once we got through the hassles of airports, Phyllis relaxed and enjoyed our trips to Europe, Australia, Hawaii, Mexico and coast to coast across both Canada and the U.S.
Phyllis was always a willing supporter of worthwhile community projects. She loved her years as a Kinette and was recipient of their Diamond Award for outstanding service. For her dedication and years of service to the operation of the Granite Room at the Moosomin Curling Club, she proudly received the Mayor’s Award of Distinction in 2018. From helping prepare food for the Shrine dinners to fielding phone calls for the Kinsmen Lottery, Phyllis always found ways to make them fun and do her part to insure they were successful.
Phyllis’s true passion was curling. She loved every aspect of the game. From the on-ice competition to a few beverages after the game, it was always fun for her. She never turned down a chance to go to a bonspiel—ladies or mixed didn’t matter to her. Briars, Scotties and Grand Slams were regular travel destinations for many years. They were a place to meet old friends and make new memories—such fun! Should anyone wish to support a cause near and dear to her heart, you might consider a donation to the Moosomin Curling Club in her memory but any charity of your choice will be gratefully received.
Phyllis went very peacefully at The Cobblestone House care home with her husband and children by her side. Dementia is a terrible disease. It stole the life of a wonderful person a few days ago. But Phyllis would not want us to mourn for her. She would want us to enjoy the fond memories of the times we all had together and always find a way to enjoy every single day.
We miss you—Rest in Peace, Dear Phyllis
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