DICKHOUT, Phyllis

DICKHOUT, Phyllis Mae - June 23, 1926 - June 28, 2011 - Phyllis Dickhout (Westcott) of Orillia passed away at Orillia Soldier's Memorial Hospital on Tuesday June 28, 2011. Dear mother of Joan Ludwig and husband Ed, and Roger Dickhout and wife Janet. Doting grandmother of Kurt and Nathan Ludwig; Graham, Allison and Jenny Dickhout. Dear sister of Tom Heffernan and Helen Brown. Predeceased by loving husbands Mervyn Dickhout and Hank Westcott, and son Dennis Dickhout. A strong student and natural caregiver, Phyllis graduated from Kingston General Hospital in Nursing and began her career at St. Joseph's hospital in Sudbury. She grew up on a dairy farm during the depression, married after WWII and raised her children as a stay-at-home mom during the 50s and 60s. Fully embracing the values of her time, Phyllis was deeply engaged with her family, church and community and brought her exacting standards to everything she did. Her green thumb, talent for sewing and crafts, eye for fashion and interior design, and poetic prose were outlets for her creative energy. She loved to dance, and play Bridge with her friends and later Euchre with her grandchildren. However, Phyllis defined her life more by who she loved than what she loved. She was blessed with a loving 47 year marriage to Mervyn and second chance at love with Hank 10 years after Mervyn's premature death. She freely expressed her love for her children and grandchildren with her words, actions and advice. She was a loyal lifelong friend to people in Athens, Sudbury, French River, Florida and Orillia. The courage with which she faced life's inevitable set-backs was an inspiration to many. Visitation will be held at the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St. N., Orillia, Ontario on Monday July 4th, 2011 from 11:30 am until time of Funeral Service in the chapel at 1 pm. If desired, memorial donations to the Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital or to the World Wildlife Fund of Canada would be appreciated. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com