Obituary of Freida Phillips (nee Lucas)

Of St. Thomas, passed away at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, in her 85th year. She was surrounded by family. Beloved wife for over 60 years to the late Robert G. “Bob” Phillips (Jan. 8, 2021). Dearly loved mother of Michele Milles (Tony) of St. Thomas, and cherished grandmother of Demetri Milles (Samantha) of Edmonton, AB.  She was proud of her new great granddaughter, Calliope. Dear sister of Doreen Hennigar (Wayne) of London. Also fondly remembered by her in-laws, Jack and Carol Phillips of St. Thomas, and Pat Phillips of Tilbury, as well as the extended Milles family, several nieces, nephews, and their families. Born in Middlemiss, ON, October 11, 1937, Freida was a daughter of the late Warden Lucas and late Flossie (née Beecroft) Lucas Foster, and step-daughter of the late James Foster.

Freida was a retired nurse at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital and stayed close to many of her nursing classmates many years into retirement. She would often pull down her trusty copy of Gray’s Anatomy to confirm the vault of medical information she retained.

Along with her late husband Bob, Freida was a committed volunteer delivering weekly for Meals on Wheels. She always stayed up to date on current events and could often be found watching CBC News Network.

Freida took great pride in her clothes and hair and traveled into London for her regular style and cut with Rinaldo. Fiercely independent, she stayed in her cherished home on Gladstone Avenue among the many neighbours who had become friends on the street, loving to say she wouldn’t move to a senior’s home because “they were for old people”.

Freida will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place.  Freida’s family will celebrate her life privately. Memorial donations to the STEGH Foundation will be gratefully acknowledged.  Arrangements entrusted to the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160).