Phyllis Ellen Jessop
August 12, 1953 - July 23, 2025
In Loving Memory
Phyllis Ellen Jessop
Phyllis Ellen Jessop (nee Sweatman)
August 12, 1953 – July 23, 2025
Phyllis passed away peacefully surrounded by family at North Okanagan Hospice
Society (NOHS) following a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
Phyllis was born in Ituna, SK to Eric and Margaret Sweatman (nee Falconer) and was
the younger sister to Carol. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, David, her
daughters Raena, Charlene (Kenny), and her grandchildren Brayden (Maegyn) and
Ethan (Amy); Her sister Carol (Vern), brothers-in-law Bob, Ron, Allen (Cindy) and many
nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, her Father-in-law
Harold, her mother-in-law Winnie and her sister-in-law Beth.
Phyllis was raised on the family farm in Kelliher, SK. She moved to Calgary, AB to
marry her high school sweetheart, David in 1972 where they raised their family. She
shared her caring nature as a stay-at-home mom before having careers owning and
teaching in preschool, then as a registered care aide.
David and Phyllis fell in love with the Shuswap area after decades of vacationing there
with their daughters. This led them to fulfill their dream of owning a lakefront property on
Shuswap Lake, where they eventually lived full time. Once retired, David and Phyllis
made moves first to Blind Bay and then to Desert Cove. They enjoyed several years of
snow birding in Arizona until Phyllis’ diagnosis in 2020.
Phyllis declared that her greatest joy in life was being a wife, mother and grandmother.
She was fortunate enough to have all her children, grandchildren, and grand dogs (5 in
total!) living nearby. These years provided countless cherished memories for the entire
family.
Phyllis was well known by her family, friends and neighbours for her generous
hospitality, warm hugs, listening ear, encouraging words and supportive prayer. In
Phyllis’ words, “If I could sum up my life, I would say I lived a life of love.”
Phyllis underwent multiple surgeries, rounds of chemo, immunotherapy and radiation
treatments during her hard-fought battle with cancer. Her final days were spent in the
gentle care of the NOHS staff where she continued to spread love and encouragement
to those who cared for her. The faith that was birthed in Phyllis as a child was a central
part of her life. This strong faith and deep connection with Jesus carried her through her
cancer battle in ways that astounded those who connected with her.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 9 th at 11 am at Vernon Alliance
Church: 2601 43 Ave, Vernon, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NOHS.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-558-0866
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 7
Living a “Life of Love”. That speaks volumes about the kind of person she was. She will be missed. My sincere condolences to David and all of the family.
From my heart to yours❤️❤️❤️❤️
Having Phyllis and her family in my life has been an uplifting and humanizing experience. She showed us all how to live, be kind and what it means to be human.
Her generous soul and spirit has impacted so many… truly making everyone’s life that much better. Thru out her cancer years, she embodied hope and gratefulness.
Her positive attitude affected us all in huge, happy ways. What a true blessing she has been for us all! Her legacy will live on as we continue forward in our lives .
She has touched my soul ever so deeply.
Thank you for everything dearest friend. 💕
Our condolences to the family of Philys.
I will always remember her beautiful smile, even in the midst of suffering with cancer. The last time I saw her was in the cancer clinic where both of us were receiving treatment.
God be with you, David and give you His comfort.
In Isaiah we read: “Do not be afraid for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold with my righteous right hand.”
May God comfort you with His words.
Henry
Phyllis will always have a special place in my heart. As she said about herself, and I have witnessed it many times when being with her or just talking to her on the telephone, I could feel that her true nature was to live a life of love.
Thank you for the gift your friendship, dearest Phyllis.
My sincere condolences to David and her family.
Deepest condolences to David and Family.
Phyllis was a wonderful lady, you could not help but be changed just from knowing her. When she smiled at you, you just felt your problems lighten.
In her presence you felt calmer, when you talked with her you knew Phyllis was truly listening.
I know her family will miss her terribly!
Phyylis is now is with Jesus as she was a devoted believer. She will be missed by all her family and friends who knew her. She was a gentle person and I know she will be treated that way when gets to where she has gone. Myself and other people that were not her family will remember her as being a person who would make you feel as if you were her family. This voyage will hopefully make David and her children know she is where she belongs. She will be waiting for, and helping her family as she believed she would be by her deep faith. You will be remembered. In all ways she was a good person.
Dave
Our deepest condolences to you David, and your family. I remember your help & encouragement to the Marlborough Youth group. I’m sure they all appreciated you both, as the parents certainly do with fond affection. May God comfort you all.