Obituary

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Phyllis Ruth (Congdon) Coneybeare, our loving and devoted mother and friend to all whose lives she touched. Mom’s condition had been slipping for many months while under the continuous care of her daughter Linda. She had just celebrated her 93rd birthday on July 6th. Born the eldest of four children in Essex County in 1927, her parents Frank and Rheta Congdon operated an apiary and sold honey from their home in Gosfield North Twp. She finished high school in Essex and began training as a nurse. On March 26, 1949 Phyllis married Verne Coneybeare in Essex. From 1952 until 1966 they lived on a farm near Cottam. By 1966 Verne had begun keeping bees and decided it would be his full time occupation. In July 1966, the family moved to the big stone house in Fergus that was the family home for the next 50 years. While Verne tended the bees, Phyllis managed the home, raised their family, sold honey from the house and cared for numerous foster children. Mom loved gardening and always had potted plants and ornamental plantings around the yard. But most of all she loved her family – nothing lifted her spirits more than to hold a new baby in her lap or to watch a toddler playing nearby. Phyllis was the beloved mother of Howard, Linda, Jim and Jennifer and many foster children she took under her care. She was predeceased by her devoted husband Verne (1996), daughter Diane (1964), infant granddaughter Kayleigh (1992), and sister Inez (2013). Phyllis was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many. Her deep caring for others made everyone feel special. She leaves many happy memories that we will cherish forever.