Tribute

Phylis Ellenor (Cook) Zimmer was born on the stormy winter day of February 8, 1943, on the family homestead a few miles outside of Hazel Dell, SK, to
her parents Kenneth and Margaret Cook. After she graduated from Sturgis High School,  Phylis went on to become the only one of her 10 siblings to
graduate from post-secondary education. She completed her dream to become a nurse at the Grey Nuns hospital in Regina, SK. While attending there,
she met her future husband, Ronald Zimmer.   Phylis also nursed at the Children’s Hospital in Calgary, AB and for a short time at the hospital in Radville, SK.  Ron and Phylis had 4 children, Monty, Todd, Holly and Cameron.   Phylis loved family and enjoyed raising her family on the acreage outside of Radville, SK.     Phylis enjoyed nature, outdoor activities such as gardening, playing games, crafting and supporting her husband by working alongside Ron in the Radville Pharmacy.   Phylis’s Christian faith was the foundation of her life.  She loved studying the Word and sharing with others through serving in Children’s ministry and hosting Bible Studies in the family home. She was wise woman, ready counselor and prayer support to those in need. She enjoyed life and shared her sense of humour with those around her.

When the children began to marry, Phylis readily welcomed her children’s spouses into the family.  She found ways to connect and build relationships
with each of them by finding common ground through activities and similar shared interests.  Ron and Phylis moved to Chilliwack, BC when grandchildren started to arrive to be closer to them.  Phylis was thrilled to be able to spend hours, days and weeks being a loving, doting and caring Nana who was always up for some fun and adventure. All of her grandchildren have many fond memories of times at Cultus Lake, painting rocks discovered at the river and baking together. Phylis found many ways to have fun and create new adventures with her grandchildren. She always had time for her grandchildren and family, supporting and cheering them on. One of her greatest desires was for her family to know and love Her Saviour. She prayed for them and counselled them to live out all that God has planned for them.

Phylis was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.    After a very brief illness, she went to her Heavenly home surrounded by her family on July 28, 2023, at age 80.   The family is grateful for the care that Phylis received at Mission Hospice during her short stay with them.

Phylis is survived by her husband Ronald Joseph Zimmer and her siblings, Margaret Reynolds, Bessie Arnie, Clifford (June) Cook, David (Elva) Cook,
Raymond (Gaylene) Cook, Bruce (Jane) Cook.  She is also survived by her children Monty (Lisa) Zimmer, Todd (Shawndra) Zimmer, Holly (Garth) Greiner and Cameron (Meagan) Zimmer. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, including Noah and Zach Zimmer (Monty); Linnea, Sophie, and Landon (Todd); Tate, Quinn and Zoe (Holly); and Nikita and Zane (Cameron).  Phylis was predeceased by her father Kenneth Cook (1964), mother Margaret Cook (1992) and siblings Eric Cook, Walter ‘Ken’ Cook, and sister Vivian Breti.