It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of matriarch, Patricia Anne Philley (Pat) at the age of 94.
Pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Homer Patrick Philley (Pat) (April 24, 1929 – November 22, 2019), grandson Matthew, and daughter-in-law Lisa Philley (neé Ho).
Left to mourn are her children Kevin (Carmen), Shannon, Nora (John), Tim (Colleen), and Cory, grandchildren Andrew (Shams), Conor (Ashlee), Melissa (Dave), Kyle (Thomas), Sarah (Dan), Erin (Andrew), Teagan (Braeden), Jonathan (Danielle), and Tianna, and great grandchild Connelly as well as many nieces and nephews.
Mom was born at home at 13th and Victoria and attended St. Joseph’s Elementary and St. Patrick’s High School. It was in St. Joseph’s kindergarten class at the age of 5 where she first met our dad. Pat and Pat began dating at 18, marrying on November 29, 1952, and enjoyed 67 years wonderful years together. Mom and Dad raised us 5 at homes in Burnaby and Coquitlam, eventually welcoming 9 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Mom was a woman of great faith, a parishioner for over 50 years at St. Michael’s Parish and, as long, a volunteer for the Catholic Women’s League (CWL), volunteering to be of service at every church cleaning, parish fete or reception.
With Dad’s early retirement in 1987, Mom and he had great years together, enjoying family, travelling and volunteering and especially being part of the Dogwood Seniors’ Pavilion Tennis Club in Coquitlam for 25 years. Mom only took up tennis competitively for the first time in her late 50’s and she went onto to win multiple medals at consecutive BC Senior’s Games
Mom was a tireless homemaker, amazing host, selfless volunteer and most of all a loving, funny, exuberant, fierce and loyal mother and grandmother, dispensing hard hugs and pointed wisdom as necessary. Even in these last few years with medical issues, she was always a hip dresser, out-styling us all, who never left the house without lipstick. Mom was a true original and there are really no words to describe how deeply she was loved and how deeply she will be missed.
Special thanks go to Nora Chambers for making sure Mom was well cared for these last few years.
A mass of Catholic burial will be held at St. Michael’s the Archangel, 9387 Holmes St in Burnaby, Friday, April 21 at 11:00 am. Reception to follow the mass. Mom loved flowers and springtime and the family asks that in lieu of flowers, to please plant something green in her honour. The world always needs more beauty.