Clarke, Phyllis Jean - Age 94 of Truro, NS, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 4, 2023, at Whispering Spirits Farm in River John. She was born in Lower Onslow, NS, to the late Margaret (Whidden) and Harry Clarke on November 16, 1928. She grew up on the family farm with her five sisters and four brothers. Upon graduation from high school, she taught for two years with the hope of attending the Teacher’s College when she was old enough. Unfortunately, before fulfilling her dream, Phyl contracted polio and lost the use of all her limbs with the exception of her left hand and arm. She spent the next four years in the Polio Clinic in Halifax. With great determination and courage, Phyl learned to walk again, and upon leaving the Polio Clinic in 1953, she moved to Toronto where she worked as a medical secretary at The Mount Dennis Medical Clinic. Later, she received training as an EEG Technician and spent the rest of her working years at The Clarke Institute of Psychiatry. In 2013, she returned to Nova Scotia, residing in Truro. She enjoyed spending summers at the cottage in Little Dyke and later at Whispering Spirits Farm in River John.

Phyl was a caring, gentle and nurturing soul, adored by everyone. She loved children and enjoyed spending time with them. Phyl was an avid reader, a sports enthusiast and a hardcore Toronto Blue Jays fan. She loved attending Blue Jays games when living in Toronto. She enjoyed watching cooking shows on television and doing crossword puzzles, at which she was very skilled.

Phyl is survived by her loving and devoted sister, Marion (Truro); sisters-in-law, Edna Clarke (Moncton) and Barbara Clarke (Truro); many cherished nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews; cousins and friends.

She was predeceased by siblings, Raymond, Winnifred (McNutt), Beryl, Kenneth, Lester, Darrell, Verna (McConnell), Geraldine (in infancy); brothers-in-law, Ray McNutt, Desmond McConnell; sisters-in-law, Ruth Clarke and Marjorie Clarke; two nephews; one niece and two grand nephews.

The family would like to thank the VON workers from Colchester and Pictou County for the loving care they provided to Phyl. A special thank you to the Palliative Care Team from Pictou County and to Dr. Karen Ewing who made it possible for Phyl to remain at home until her passing. We would also like to acknowledge the support from family, friends and the church community during this difficult time. Your thoughts and prayers were very much appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kids Help Phone, VON Nova Scotia or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro, NS, from where a service will be held on Saturday, March 11th at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Lori Ramsey officiating. A reception will follow the service. Webcasting of the service will begin at 1:58pm (AST).