Sydney
It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Beverly Phillips, announce her passing on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born on March 9, 1942 and raised in Whitney Pier, Beverly was the daughter of the late John and Jean (MacKinnon) MacLean.
After graduating from Holy Angels Convent in 1961, mom enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces who moved her out of her small community of Whitney Pier. She thrived as a stenographer for 3 years. After being discharged at the tender age of 21 she moved to Edmonton, Alberta where her twin sister, Barbara was waiting for her. She worked for Canadian National Railway as a clerk/steno, met and married a young Edmonton police officer and together they built a home, established a small security company, and turned their home property into a hobby farm growing and selling alfalfa. She had a keen interest in politics along with a wicked sense of humor. Later in life, after her family had grown, Beverly returned to her beloved Cape Breton. She will be remembered for her smile, strong faith, and kind and loving nature.
Bev is survived by her loving sons, Scott (Lynda) Phillips and Steven (Lindsay) Phillips; four grandchildren, Brendon, Parker, Samantha and Annabelle, all of Alberta; brothers, Ian (Donna) MacLean, Campbell River, BC and Jim (Phyllis) MacLean, Howie Centre; brother-in-law, David Jones, Sydney; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as her much loved and cherished aunt, Rosaire MacKinnon (96) of Sydney.
Besides her parents, Beverly was predeceased by her two sisters, her twin, Barbara-Jean (late Gerry Mattia) and Claire-Elizabeth (David Jones), Sydney.
The family owes a lifetime of “Thank You” to Mary Bourgeois, Beverly’s dear friend who turned out to be her main caregiver. God bless you. And to David Jones who brought her holy communion faithfully three times a week, her cousin, Donna, brother, Jimmy, and niece, Gian who in addition to Mary and David visited her regularly at the hospital.
Sincere thank you to Father Paul Murphy, Holy Redeemer choir, and the pall bearers, and all who will participate in the Mass. Thank you to Bill Laurie of the Pier Community Funeral Home, the VON, and the Palliative Care Team who cared for Bev in her time of need.
Memorial donations in Bev’s memory may be made to Holy Redeemer Building Fund.
There will be no visitation for the late Beverly Phillips. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 10 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. Covid restrictions are in place, so social distancing and masks are mandatory in church. The service will be live streamed by logging onto https://www.facebook.com/holyredeemerwhitneypier/live_videos/ at the time of the service.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
To Bev’s Family,
We were Bev’s neighbours (across the hall) for all the years she
lived at Moxham Court. Bev was quiet, but always had time for
a little chat. Her smile was beautiful. We will remember her
fondly.
From: Kenneth and Claudette Gray
We were shocked and saddened to hear about Bev’s passing. We knew her from Holy Redeemer. She was such a great woman. Our prayers go out to her sons and family. Regina & Colleen Gillis
From: Colleen Gillis
To the family of Bev Phillips:
We lived across the hall from Bev all the time she lived at
Moxham Court. She was a lovely lady and very good
neighbour. We will remember her fondly.
From: Kenny and Claudette Gray
Scott & Steven and Family ,
I would like to express on behalf of the Kim Family our condolences on the loss of your mother. Our Aunt Bev.
We extend our deepest of sympathies to you are your Family during this difficult time.
Sincerely
Cousin Kara
Aunt Bev will be missed, she had an incredible faith and she is now at peace.
To you, Scott and Steven we send our heartfelt sympathies.
Cousin Gian, Bobby and Ethan and Calan MacLean
Scott & Steven & family,
So sorry for the loss of your mom.
She was a wonderful person and I am grateful to have known her.
Sincerely,
Your cousin
Sally Benson
Our sincere condolences to all of Bevs family. May she rest in peace.
Jim and Phyllis; our sincerest condolences on your loss.
So sorry for the loss of your mom, Bev. My deep condolences to all of the family and to my niece and nephew Gian and Wayne.
Barb and John Manning
It was with sadness, yet the evocation of so many beautiful memories, that I learned of Bev’s passing this week. I’ll certainly miss her friendship, sense of humour, determination, and generosity toward others.
My sincere condolences to Scott and Steven and their families, and to Ian and Jim and theirs, as well as her many friends and extended family members. Although our hearts are filled with sadness at the moment, it will soon be replaced with the joy of so many happy memories.
I remember you John Douglas! ❤️
Although I was just 4 I remember our outing with my Auntie Barbara.
I remember you John. So sad to hear of Bev’s passing. We enjoyed so many laughs and spaghetti dinners with Barb and Bev in Edmonton.
Jim & Phyllis.
With deepest sympathy on your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Colleen & the Cassivi Family
so very sorry for the loss of Bev prayers go out to all the family at this time of such great loss
I was very surprised to hear of Beverly ‘s passing. She had an amazing faith and strength that certainly shone through at the time of Barbara and Claire’s death. She joins them in Heaven. Beverly will be missed.
My condolence to Scott, Stephen and the MacLean family. Bev is my good friend from childhood and we spoke every day on phone. We spent time together in the summers when I returned to my cottage in Cape Breton. She will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
Evelyn Elchyshyn Hunt Orleans ON
Extending my most sincere sympathy to all Bev’s family. She was a member of our Bible study group with Sr. Morris and often gave testimony to her deep faith. Bev certainly was a valued member–not only because of the biblical information she shared but because of her great seal for organizing our event teas and closing socials. Bev will be missed but her “spirit” will live on with us.
Jim, Ian and the MacLean Family,
I was saddened to read of Bev’s passing. Lot’s of memories from the days on French Street…My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Hugs to you all bev was a wonderful person and friend and cwl lady we will all miss her lots of happy times on trips with bev and our parties she loved time with family and friends
Sincere condolences to Beverley’s family! My mother, Catherine Gillis MacDonald from East Bay, formerly of Gillis Lake, is a cousin to Jean and John, both of whom I got to know through Mom. Thinking of your family and how difficult this is for all of you. Hang on to your memories! May Beverley RIP.