Phyllis Olsen

Phyllis Amy OLSEN (nee Creasor) Phyllis was born in Bracebridge on February 17, 1931 to Wilfred Norman Creasor and Edith Mildred Viola Creasor (nee Widdifield). She passed away peacefully at Muskoka Shores, Gravenhurst, on Wednesday December 9, 2015 at age 84. She made her home on Skeleton Lake in the community of Ullswater with her beloved late husband Kenneth Earnest Olsen, her soulmate for 61 years. A strong and loving mother of Andrew, Olla (Mickii), Wendy Kuijer (Jacob) and Katrina Olsen-Heise (Roy). Very proud grandmother of Phillip (Sarah), Shane, Alicia (Michael), Gavin (Teresa), Megan and Amy. Great grandmother of Alexandra, Michael, David, Owen, Maxwell and Gwenyth. Sister of Norma, Errol (Stella), James (Susan), Wilfred (Sheila), Roger (Peggy) and the late Grant, Joyce and Gary. Her chosen daughter Jane Ruttan and her sons Levi and Kurtis are also mourning her passing. Phyllis was devoted to all her family and put their needs ahead of her own. She was a strong shoulder for her younger brothers after the death of their father. While she was instrumental in the raising of her older grandchildren, she loved all her grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly and was fiercely proud of them. When the family was challenged by a catastrophic car accident that caused serious and permanent injury to one of her children, it was Phyllis' love, tenacity and shear will power, with the support of her husband, Ken that pulled the family through. Her practical, thoughtful therapies and loving support led to such unexpected improvements that the hospital asked Phyllis to council other families facing the same challenges. Phyllis was an unassuming woman who lived her life with quiet passions for all children, music, books and horses. She owned 6 horses and operated a riding stable for a number of years. She played the piano and guitar and loved to sing. Family gatherings usually included music and a sing-along. She had a curious mind and a love of learning. She completed several correspondence courses while her children were young. Once her family was raised she travelled weekly to Barrie taking courses towards a Library Technician diploma. Phyllis was a long time member of the Library Board in the Twp. of Muskoka Lakes where she constantly lobbied against any cuts to the budget for community libraries. She worked as a librarian in her community branch library for 22 years. Neighbourhood children could rely on her to obtain the most current resources for any school project they were working on and would even assist them with those projects as much as possible. Phyllis loved the outdoors, gardening and the lake. She was a baker extraordinaire. Generations of kids (many now parents and grandparents themselves) fondly remember the freshly baked goods that were ever present in her kitchen. Family and friends will sadly miss Phyllis but take comfort in the knowledge that she has joined her beloved husband, Ken. A celebration of life will be held in June 2016. If desired in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson Society Canada or charity of choice. .

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A celebration of life will be held in June 2016.

Interment Details