Phyllis Mary Goldsmith
December 9th, 2019
Phyllis passed away peacefully after a brief illness. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Fred; and their children, David (Denise), Peter (Angie), and Kate; their grandchildren, Benjamin, Robbie, Teia, and Iain; and by several nieces and nephews.
Phyllis was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and emigrated to Canada in 1970 with Fred and their young family. She taught elementary school in both countries. Having a passion for developing human potential, Phyllis presented at teacher conventions, served on the board of the Calgary Writing Foundation, facilitated a teachers' writing group, and taught summer courses for aspiring child authors.
Deeply involved in personal growth and spirituality, she loved connecting with people and helping them in any way she could. She volunteered at Wellspring and the Children's Hospital. Her book, "Pathway to Joy", her expertise in Reiki, and her leadership in meditation groups have helped many people to achieve joy and healing in their lives.
In more recent years, Phyllis enjoyed being a part of the Irish choir, her ladies’ bridge group, walks around the duck pond near their home, reading, and time spent with family and friends. She will be sorely missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phyllis’s name to Wellspring Calgary, 1404 Home Road NW Calgary, Alberta T3B 1G7. There will be a Celebration of Her Life in a few weeks' time (details to come).
Messages:
My sympathies to you Fred. I didn't know Phyllis well but do remember that she had such a nice warm smile. May you and your family gather strength during this difficult time and may she live on in the pleasant memories that you all have of her.
On behalf of The Irish Cultural Society Choir, our deepest sympathy is offered to Fred and all the family on the loss of Phyllis, who was a noble, kind, beautiful soul. Her Spirit lives on amongst us, invisible and ever present. The great Irish Troubadour Percy French wrote; “(They)....are not not lost but simply gone before...(us). Fred, may you find consolation in these lines. We will always remember the sweet voice , the quiet presence, the kindness and the precious smile that Phyllis brought to our Choir. She is and will be greatly missed. One more consoling phrase which I extend to Fred and family; “The debt of our grief is a barometer of how much we loved...” We willingly pay that price for the love of Phyllis.
Dear Fred, I have memories of you and Phyllis years ago when we were loving yoga and you and Phyllis went on a pilgrimage to India. How lovely that you were able to live with this incredible woman. Sending you love and light. Judith
Phyllis was such a dear person. I loved singing with her in the Irish Cultural Society choir. Her book was a wonderful source of inspiration and hope. My sympathy goes out to you Fred and your family.
Loved Phyllis. Cannot believe this lovely person has gone to her glory. Definitely, she lived a full and wonderful life of giving and helping others. Loved the sparkle in her eyes. Truly will miss her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Fred and the Goldsmith family at this most difficult time.
Very sorry to hear of Phyllis's passing. Our heartfelt condolences to the family.
Phyllis was always very friendly and kind towards me. She was a really nice person. I will miss her. I am thinking about you Fred.
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Phyllis. I feel blessed to have met you both at the library in the late spring and was able to revive memories from the young years of our daughters. Having a conversation with Phyllis was always a highlight of my day. She lived life so well and will be sorely missed. With sincere sympathy, Marilyn and Walter
Dear Fred and family We were so very sorry to hear of Phyllis’ death. Our heartfelt condolences. It must surely have been difficult for you all during these last months. Sincerely, Carol and Elliott
I was shocked and saddened to see Phyllis had passed. I admired her love of learning and her intellect. She and Fred were very kind to me when my husband died.
Phyllis was such an inspiration to all who taught with her at Dalhousie. She will be missed.
Dear Fred, What a terrible shock! You just think that your family is going to live forever.. Phyllis was a very special and unique lady, and I am so sorry she has passed away, and such a poignant time of the year..I will tell Richard, my brother..Paul died three years ago.. I often think of you and Phyllis and cannot believe you have been in Canada since 1970.. Mike sends his condolences and I, my love xx