Obituary of Phyllis Abel

Abel, Phyllis Louise Phyllis Louise Abel passed away peacefully on February 16, 2012 with loved ones by her side. Phyllis was born on October 6, 1919 in Melville, Saskatchewan, to parents Georges and Marie (Lamoureux) Bruneau. She grew up in Melville and attended St. Henry's School. On May 25, 1935 Phyllis married Lawrence Abel and they spent a happy 63 years together. During the Second World War they lived in many places including Weyburn, Vancouver and Camp Borden. Lawrence was sent overseas and during this time Phyllis lived in Vancouver with their children Gail and Gary. It was in Vancouver that Phyllis worked in the shipyards as a rivet catcher; her ability to do what needed to be done to provide for her family illustrated the tremendous strength she possessed. Following the war Phyllis and Lawrence returned to Melville where Lawrence joined the family business, Abel's Cartage, and Phyllis worked in the office. She later worked for Dr. O. Millette. Phyllis was a faithful member of St. Henry's R. C. Parish. She enjoyed bowling and curling, did needlework, was a member of the St. Bernard Club, and the hospital auxiliary and volunteered at St. Paul's Lutheran Home. Lawrence and Phyllis spent many years at their cottage at Crooked Lake and the family have wonderful memories of the time spent with them there. These memories include many fish fries, homemade cookies and much laughter and love. Phyllis loved her garden and cultivated many wonderful vegetables that she was proud to feed to her family. When Lawrence passed away on December 16, 1998, Phyllis continued to live in Melville, spending time with her family at the lake in the summer. She missed Lawrence deeply. Phyllis (Nan) never thought of herself; instead she focused her energy on the needs of her family. She was the thread that stitched our family together and we all learned so much from her grace. Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, her husband Lawrence, four brothers: Denis, Yves, Guy and Bernard, and her sister Paula Marsden. She is survived by her daughter Gail (Larry) Engel of Crooked Lake and their children: Jeff Engel of Winnipeg, Jocelyn (Terry) Denham of Regina, and Jay (Marianne) Engel of Canmore, Alberta; her son Gary (Jean) Abel of Kitchener, Ontario and their children: Randy (Denise) Abel, Rodney (Michelle) Abel, and Lori Ann (Paul) Dale, all of Kitchener, Ontario. Phyllis has twelve Great Grandchildren: Briana (Michael), Travis (Kristen) and Austin Denham, Lucas, Tess and Megan Engel, Nicole and Taylor Abel, Andrew and Mathew Abel, Amberly and Madeline Dale. She has one Great Great Grandchild Jacob Denham (Travis/Kristen) and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A memorial for Phyllis will be held at a later date. The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Paul Lutheran Home who provided such caring support to Phyllis and her family. Arrangements by Bailey's Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Melville.