1938 – 2026
It is with heavy hearts and many wonderful memories that we announce the peaceful passing of Phyllis Steeves, a much-loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, which occurred at her home on Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Phyllis was a woman of faith, kindness, impeccable style, and a wonderful sense of humour. A devoted member of her Baptist church, she valued her family, friendships, and community. She was also a familiar and much-loved presence at Trico Credit Union, where she served as office manager and was known for her dedication and warm personality.
Phyllis had a fabulous sense of style and always looked fantastic. She took great care in putting herself together, dressing smartly and choosing colours that suited her. She was particularly proud of her colour season and was famous for declaring, “I’m a Winter!” And a beautifully dressed Winter she was!
Phyllis had a quick wit, an infectious laugh, and a wonderful appreciation for a good joke, especially when it came from her beloved Winston. Together, they shared a love of golf and spent many happy days playing courses throughout Atlantic Canada. They enjoyed a life filled with laughter, companionship, and adventures.
Phyllis and her family spent many happy years showing their draft ponies throughout the Maritimes. These trips brought together family, hard work, and a shared love of the ponies. Phyllis took great pride in keeping her ponies looking their very best, and the barn was always exceptionally clean and well cared for. Her attention to detail and high standards were evident in everything she did. Those years of travelling to shows, preparing the ponies, and spending time together as a family created many treasured memories and were a wonderful part of Phyllis’s life.
Always up for an outing, Phyllis loved going for drives, enjoying a good dinner, shopping, or simply seeing where the day might take her. She was always ready for an adventure and rarely needed convincing to head out and enjoy herself.
She also loved games, particularly cards, and was a formidable opponent. Whether playing against children, friends, or elders, Phyllis showed little mercy at the card table. She loved to win, and everyone was fair game! More importantly, she loved the laughter and good company that came with playing. She also enjoyed bowling and puzzles and was always happy to have something on the go.
Phyllis was an exceptionally talented knitter and crocheter. Her beautiful handmade afghans, hats, and mittens kept countless family members and friends warm through many Atlantic Canadian winters. Each creation was a little expression of her care and generosity, and those treasured gifts will continue to bring comfort for years to come. Above all, Phyllis cherished her family. She took great joy in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, love, and wonderful memories.
Phyllis was predeceased by her beloved husband, Winston; her parents, Nellie (Wilbur) and Edward Knowlton; and her brother, Weldon.
She is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Irma (Ern) Vandenburg and Eleanor (Roy) White; her children, Darren (Susan) and Debra (Neal); her cherished grandchildren, Julie (Steve) Spencer, Vanessa LeBlanc, and Harrison; and her adored great-grandchildren, Ellery, Everson, and Aubrey. She will also be fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Melanie Cyr, Dr. Sherief Kamel and Kendra at the Heart Function Clinic, the wonderful Extra-Mural nurses, and Charlene Stables, Phyllis’s amazing caregiver. Their kindness, compassion, dedication, and support meant so much to Phyllis and her family. We are deeply grateful for the care they provided, the comfort they brought, and the difference they made in Phyllis’s life during such a difficult time.
Phyllis will be remembered for her laughter, her adventurous spirit, her beautiful sense of style, and the warmth she brought to the lives of those around her. She spent a lifetime keeping the people she loved warm, in more ways than one.
While she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in knowing that Phyllis is now in her Heavenly home, reunited with her beloved Winston. And we can be quite certain that she’s beautifully dressed in her Winter colours, laughing at Winston’s jokes, and perhaps already organizing a good game of cards.
The family will be receiving relatives and friends at Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 330 Whitepine Rd., Riverview (506-869-2007) on Sunday October 18th from 1 – 3 PM. A service celebrating her life will take place from the funeral home on Monday, October 19th at 11 AM, with Rev. Jonathan Gorham presiding. The interment will take place at Fair Haven Cemetery. In memory of Phyllis, donations can be made to the Friends of The Moncton Hospital or the New Brunswick Heart Centre at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
