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Phyllis Winnefred Ruth Kooistra

January 27, 2019

N8X1K6J8-20190204105934

July 8, 1935 - January 27, 2019
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Phyllis Kooistra (nee Bryant), at the age of 83. After a very short battle with cancer, Phyllis passed away peacefully at Shuswap Lake General Hospital, on January 27, 2019, surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by Tim, her loving husband of 59 years, her son Rick, daughter Karen, and four grandchildren, Andrew, Michelle, Jessie and Stephen. She is also survived by sisters Myrna Carrier and Imelda Kurik, sister-in-laws Susan Bryant and Jane Bryant and numerous nieces and nephews. Phyllis was predeceased by her five brothers Donald, Fred, Leslie, Harry, and Philip Bryant.

Phyllis was born in Rosedale, B.C. on July 8, 1935, to George and Gertrude Bryant. She was raised on the family farm in Rosedale and later in Hatzic Prairie. After graduating from high school, Phyllis obtained her teaching certificate. Her teaching career took her to Tomslake in northern B.C., along with her good friend Maureen Stickney, which was quite an adventure for the young women. Phyllis later returned to the Lower Mainland where she taught school at Lake Errock and Deroche Elementary Schools. In 1959 she married Tim Kooistra, at which time she put her career on hold so she could stay at home to raise her children. After several moves between Hatzic Prairie, Savona, and Kamloops, Tim and Phyllis decided to settle in Sorrento, B.C. in 1966. In 1974, Phyllis returned to work as the librarian at Sorrento Elementary School, where she remained until retiring in 1992.

Phyllis and Tim spent many wonderful years in Sorrento, running their family business together, with Mom managing the books as well as always finding time to keep an incredible garden. They also made sure to fit in some travel adventures including road trips across Canada, to the Yukon and Alaska, winters spent in Yuma, Arizona, and many short trips throughout B.C. Family was very important, and Gramma took great pride and joy in her grandchildren and they spent many wonderful summers together in Sorrento. Phyllis touched so many lives and made many wonderful friendships in Sorrento during her more than 50 years there She was always ready to volunteer for community events or lend a hand to any of her friends and neighbours that needed it.

The family would like to thank Dr. Goldberg and the many wonderful nurses of Shuswap Lake General Hospital for their care of Phyllis, with a special thank you to Laura and Tammy for their incredible compassion shown to Mom and our entire family.

A celebration of Phyllis' life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shuswap Lake General Hospital or the B.C. Cancer Foundation.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bowersfuneralservice.com.



 Bowers Funeral Service and Crematorium



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