Obituary of Phyllis May Trotchie

The family is saddened by the passing of our mother, grandmother, and sister Phyllis Trotchie on March 25, 2023.

Phyllis Trotchie (Larson) was born on October 5, 1933, in Eston, Saskatchewan, to Walter and Pauline Larson.   She grew up in Eston and at 18 years of age went to Thunder Bay as a nurse’s aid.

She returned to Eston in 1953, and it was there that she met her future husband, Clarence Trotchie, who was playing hockey for the Eston Ramblers.  

Her life with Clarence in the beginning was not easy.  After his hockey career ended, he made his living off the land, landscaping, rock picking, fence posts, etc.  He worked hard and played hard.  Mom raised six children pretty much on her own.  They separated in 1970 and Mom went back to school to complete her Grade 12 and then started work for the Non-Status Indian and Métis (NSIM) Education program.  Later, she transferred to the Community College.  Mom and Dad became good friends, and she spent a lot of time helping him in his role as President of Gabriel Dumont Local 11 by volunteering at their many events and even sitting on the Board of Directors.  When Dad met Gloria, it wasn’t unusual to see the three of them socializing together until Dad’s death in 1987.

Mom enjoyed her work and really liked the people she worked with.  When she turned 65 in 1998, Mom retired from her role as ABE Counsellor at Kelsey Campus.  She enjoyed adventures, loved to travel, and went on many trips, usually by herself.  She also looked forward to visiting and travelling with her brothers. She amazed us when she decided she wanted to see polar bears, and the following week she was in Churchill, MB doing just that.  She went on numerous casino trips, mostly for the bus ride and meeting people.  Mom liked bingo, card playing, crossword puzzles, and was an avid reader.  Mom was witty with a great sense of humour and could swear like a sailor on occasion.  She was very active with the Kiwanis Manor Tenant Association and made many great friends there.  She loved holding babies and found great joy in sponsoring many children through World Vision.  She looked forward to going out with her kids and spending time with her grandchildren.  She was able to hold a new great grandchild, Levi, shortly before her death.

Mom is survived by two brothers, Stan (Doreen) of Calgary, AB, and Bob (Ev) of Parksville, BC, and their sons.

She is also survived by her daughter Faye and sons Wayne (Patti), Stewart, Dennis, and David (Lynn).

Her grandchildren are Laura (Ira), Adam (Tamara), Colton (Melissa), Cara (Neil), Clayton (Stacey), Carly, and Kallie and Aaron.

Her great grandchildren are Samara, Madison, Levi, Ava, Avyen, Abigail, Lennon.

Mom was predeceased by a daughter, Karen, and many other relatives and in-laws.

We extend our gratitude to the Saskatoon Police Service, the Coroner, and the Saskatoon Funeral Home (Sue) for their compassion, kindness and assistance above and beyond.

Also, to Dr. Smit who provided such good care for mom over the years.  She thought the world of you.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Kiwanis Manor located at 125 Avenue B. North.  Please join the family to celebrate our mother.