Shearer, Phyllis Arlene – Age 96, died in Cedarstone Enhanced Care (Shannex), Truro, on May 6, 2023. Born in 1927 in Truro, she was the only child of the late Frank and Elmina (Whidden) Wynn.

She and husband, Vince, wed in 1947 and lived almost their entire married life in Hilden. They were within weeks of celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary when Vince passed away in 2006.

A hairdresser for many years, Phyllis saw clients at home. Then later worked retail at Woolworths in Truro and at a general store in Hilden.

Phyllis took pride in being a homemaker and kept a clean, attractive, and organized living space. Her shelves were usually stocked with home baked treats. With a young family at home, she was busy, though she stopped for a morning break to solve the cryptic quotation in the daily newspaper with a cup of tea and cookie at hand. Phyllis’s love of puzzles survived well into old age.

Her quilts were especially beautiful and well-crafted. Phyllis also enjoyed needlepoint and knitting. Many samples of her work beautify the homes of her children and grandchildren.

In the ‘60s, when mohair sweaters were the rage, Phyllis knit one for each of her older daughters, pink for the dark haired, blue for the fair. She catered to some other teenage whims and fads, occasionally surprising her children with popular recordings of the time.

Phyllis enjoyed music, especially early country, and loved listening to and dancing to old-time music. She and her mother, who lived with the family after she was widowed, sometimes danced from room to room with Phyllis’s daughters to Don Messer’s fiddle on Monday nights. She was not generally a fan of TV but liked Jeopardy and a good mystery, especially Perry Mason.

Her grandchildren often spent time with her and Dad playing cards, enjoying picnics in the country, and observing wildlife.

For years, Phyllis pickled, preserved, or froze the vegetables our father took such pride in growing. She and Dad also tended to beautiful perennial flower gardens.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed excellent physical health.

Phyllis is survived by four children, Sheila McDougall (Grant Langford), Truro, Cheryl (Lee) MacDonald, Truro, Jack (Becky), Hilden, Carolyn (Don) Morehouse, BC; six grandchildren, Jack (Amelia) McDougall, NB, Mark (Glenda) MacDonald, Truro, Tyler Shearer (Jenn), Dartmouth, Kate Shearer (Matt), Toronto, Vince Morehouse (Taya), BC, William Morehouse (Valerie), BC; two great grandchildren, Tommy McDougall, NB and Josie MacDonald, Truro. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Sylvia Anderson, Victoria, BC.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Vince, Phyllis was predeceased by grandson, Scott McDougall; son-in-law, Tom McDougall; sisters-in-law, Roberta Silver and Norma Shearer; and brothers-in-law, Arthur and Charles Shearer.

Many thanks to the Cedarstone staff for their care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to a charity of your choice.

As per our mother’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral. Arrangements have been entrusted to Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.ColchesterCommunity.com