PHILLIPS, Jean Isobel Mary (nee Miller)

It is with sadness and very heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Mother and Grandmother, Jean, on Tuesday April 28, 2026, at age 88 at Guelph General Hospital. Jean passed quietly with her children and grandchildren by her side. A cherished Mother and Nanny, Jean is survived by her daughters Sheila (John) and Hazel (Gordon), her grandchildren Elisha, Antonia (Josh) and Ian, and her much loved rescue cat, Wilma. She is also survived by her sister Rosemary Doddington, sister-in-law Vanessa Miller, brother-in-law Walter Rutt and their families in the UK. Jean will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her niece Wendy and family in the UK. She will be dearly missed by her close friend, Valerie. Together they shared 14+ years of 6:40AM FaceTimes to start their days! Jean will be loved and remembered by her many friends in Orangeville, Guelph and the UK. Jean is preceded in death by her beloved husband Peter (2014), grandson Graham (2001), parents Walter and Gwenneth Miller, sister Margaret Rutt, brother David Miller, sister-in-law Norah Phillips, brother-in-law Eric Phillips and brother-in-law Michael Doddington. Born in Mannington, Dorset, England, on September 12, 1937, Jean was the second of four children. Jean and Peter, with their two young daughters, immigrated to Canada in 1966. Initially living in Brampton, they moved a year later to Orangeville. In 1982, Jean and Peter moved to their forever home in Amaranth. Over three decades, with hard work and creativity, they turned “Crosswind” into a beautiful home with expansive gardens. In 2023, Jean moved to the Ellington Retirement Residence at the Elliott Community in Guelph to be closer to her daughters and their families. Mum lived a full life defined by travel, friendships, flowers, a good laugh, and a deep love for life’s simple joys. Alongside our father, Mum enjoyed many years of happiness at “Crosswind” where the gardens they created were always a spectacle of summer colour. Mum’s other creative passions included knitting, sewing, flower design and cooking. Her cleverly knitted nativity scene and “Santa people” were a Christmas tradition in her home. Family, friends, faith and traditions were important parts of Mum’s life. She was a dear and loyal friend to many. She enjoyed family gatherings, sharing and preparing English family recipes which were very often made with ingredients from her own garden! Mum valued giving back to her community. She spent many years as a Guide Leader and District Commissioner. Mum was a Life Member of the Orangeville Horticultural Society and served for many years as the society’s secretary, treasurer and flower show coordinator. She enjoyed floral design, earning many show ribbons, and led her to become an accredited flower show judge. In 2015, the Ontario Horticultural Association recognized Mum for her exceptional contributions to horticulture by honouring her with their annual Trillium award. Our family extends heartfelt thanks to all of the staff at the Ellington Retirement Residence for their incredible care and friendship. She loved you all! Mum will be deeply missed and will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Visitation will be held at the St. Marks Anglican Church 5 First Ave. Orangeville on Monday, May 11th, 2026 from 10:00am to 11:00am. Funeral Service will be held at St. Marks Anglican Church on Monday, May 11th, 2026 at 11:00am. Reception will follow at the Dods & McNair Funeral home, Reception Centre at 21 First St. Orangeville. Interment will follow reception at Greenwood Cemetery, Orangeville at 2:00 pm. Please wear your brightest colours to celebrate Jean and as a memory of all the colourful flowers that brought Mum so much joy! In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please direct donations in Mum’s memory to: Elliott Community, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, or Cats Anonymous Rescue & Adoption, please use this link for donations to Cats Anonymous (https://catsanonymous.ca/how-you-can-help/donate/). A tree will be planted in memory of Jean in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.dodsandmcnair.com