Phyllis Jean Gunn

TRURO/NEW GLASGOW – Phyllis Jean Gunn, 93, of Truro, formerly of New Glasgow, passed away on Monday, May 21, 2018.

Born in Sussex, N.B., on Feb. 24, 1925, she was the daughter of Alward King and Phoebe Sansom King. After graduating from Sussex High School, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (cum laude Honours English) at Mount Allison University in 1949. While at Mount A she sang in the Choral Society, and, in 194849, served as Associate Editor of the Argosy Weekly campus newspaper. Phyllis devoted much of her life to raising a family of four and then influencing an extended family that included seven grandchildren … all this while contributing actively to her church and community. To quote and paraphrase one of her grandchildren: – Phyllis showed her offspring (and her offsprings’ offspring) endless love, “modelling what it looks like to always try to make the world more just and equitable with whatever sphere of influence you have.” Her legacy is “a supportive family where we all deeply care for one another”.

Phyllis was a committed member of the United Church of Canada for her whole life, often assuming leadership roles. At the age of 8, she was president of the Mission Band at St. Paul’s in Sussex, at 18, teaching Sunday School at St. Mark’s in Fairview, N.B., and at 24, employed as a Christian Education Worker at St. George’s in Toronto. After her marriage in 1951, Phyllis joined Trinity United Church in New Glasgow and since then has served in many roles. These included over 20 years as an elder and as the congregation’s newsletter editor, and a term as president of United Church Women (UCW). Phyllis’s involvement with UCW extended well beyond Trinity, including at the Pictou Presbytery level (president for a term) and at the Maritime Conference level (UCW editor of “The United Churchman” publication for several years). Phyllis was also a long-time active volunteer with the Council of Women from 1953 to 1995. She served as President of New Glasgow Local Council of Women from 1968 to 1971, President of Provincial Council of Women of Nova Scotia from 1985 to 1988 and Vice-President of National Council of Women of Canada from 1992 to 1995.

Phyllis was predeceased by Reg, her husband of 62 years.

She is survived by four offspring and their spouses: John (Elaine Cook) in Halifax, Robert (Hélène Landry) in Ottawa, Bill (Jeanine Deveau-Samuelsson) in Bayfield, N.S., and Ruth (Julian Youle-White) in Tracadie, N.S.; and seven granddaughters: Jennifer, Kayla, Natalie (Michael Abrams), Isabelle, Lisa, Heather and Audrey.

A funeral service to celebrate Phyllis’s life will be held in Trinity United Church, 151 Temperance Street, New Glasgow, at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 29, with a reception following in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Phyllis Jean Gunn Endowment Fund at the Coady International Institute at St FX or a charity of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.rhporter.ca