With heavy hearts, we announce that Phillis Eileen Eckel passed away peacefully, with family at her side on May 21, 2023 at Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga Site, at the age of 92. She will be greatly missed as the Matriarch of our family.

Beloved wife of the late Donald Eckel. Loving mother of Greg (Shari), Karen (Colin) and Glenn (Kim). Much loved Grandma to two sets of twins Katie, Emily (Kyle) and Melanee, Connor; and cherished auntie to many nieces and nephews. Phillis leaves behind her siblings Marion (Gordon) and Bruce (Faith). She is predeceased by her parents Mary and Gordon, siblings Beatrice (Gerald), Ken (Alice), Ruth (Allen), sister-in-law Shirley (John) and brother-in-law Doug (Yvonne).

Born on Saturday, July 19, 1930 in Toronto, she spent a great deal of her childhood growing up in Thornbury, Ontario before later relocating back to her birthplace of Toronto where she resided for most of her life. In reflection, Phillis characterised some of the most popular songs of 1930 like Embraceable You, Happy Days Are Here Again, On the Sunny Side of the Street, and So Beats My Heart for You.

On that music theme, it was at a dance in Toronto where Phillis met the love of her life, Donald Eckel. It was the start of an awesome match as they continued their dances together, not only in the physical sense but also conceptually, as they took their journey through marriage and then the creation of a loving and tight family life.

Unfortunately, the love affair was cut way too short when Don’s sudden and untimely passing took him away from all of us and left Phillis alone with their young family. Not one to understand the meaning of defeat, her amazing strength and determination came to the fore and, with help from family (particularly her mother, Mary Smith) and friends, she persevered and began to carve out a new life.

Not one to always take the easy path, Phillis decided that she would return to high school to add the additional year thirteen that was then required to qualify for teacher’s college even though she was older than many of her teachers.

This move was very unusual at the time, almost trailblazing, and did not go unnoticed when the media picked up and published her remarkable story.

Mission accomplished, her teaching career spanned decades and many students were fortunate to have such a caring and important influence. In her life, she was always committed to making a positive difference, and in pursuit of that goal in her educational career, worked well past normal retirement age, even tutoring at the age of 85!

Her work ethic and energy was legendary. She held a secondary part-time job at Peoples Jewellers consistently for decades, her success at sales likely assisted by an infectious smile. Not sure how, but she also found time for her arts and crafts hobbies and many are fortunate to have received some of her excellent works over the years.

She was happiest surrounded by people and used any and all occasions to take advantage of entertaining opportunities. These included, but were not limited to, birthdays, weddings, Christmas, family picnics and any other visits or outings in which she could participate like the traditional trek to the CNE. Despite a busy calendar, special time was always booked at the cottage as nothing meant more to her than spending time there with friends, family and visitors.

She filled our hearts, lives and souls with fun, joy, love and hope. Phillis will be terribly missed but we will forever carry her memory in our hearts.

Friends and relatives may call at the Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas St. W. (between Kipling and Islington Aves.), on Friday, June 2, 2023 from 6 - 8pm. A Service will take place in the Butler Chapel on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 10 am. Interment to follow at Sanctuary Park Cemetery. Condolences may be made using this website. For those who wish, flowers are welcome.