Obituary of Phyllis Gertrude Mitton

Phyllis passed away at Hospice House, Fredericton, on January 28, 2021. Born on the family farm at Garden Creek, N.B. on February 12, 1929, she was the daughter of John and Mary (O’Hara) Goodine. She was the middle child of seven. Phyllis was a devoted mother to her sons Rick (Karen) and Brian (Diana Moore), grandmother to Andrew (Liz) and Adam (in Calgary), and loving great grandmother to Katie, who was the apple of her eye. Phyl is also survived by siblings Barbara Rowan, Loretta Washburn, and Ronald Goodine (St. Stephen); many cherished nieces and nephews; and a host of good friends, old and new. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband Earl; siblings Raymond, Thelma (Monahan), and Doris (Ryan); all of her in-laws (Jack Ryan, Bill Rowan, Leroy Washburn, and Doreen Goodine); and special friend Walter Schwartz. Despite, or perhaps because of, spending her formative years in the country, she loved being "where the action was" and was delighted when her family moved to Fredericton. Phyllis went to business college, where she first met Earl Mitton. They were married in 1950. She was proud to be recognized as the wife of the well-known fiddle player. Phyllis worked in the insurance industry throughout her entire career. She was full of energy and enthusiasm, and her positive outlook and ready smile allowed her to win friends wherever she went. She was often "the life of the party". After Earl’s death in 1991 she turned her attention to her grandchildren; to her "Grow Group" of other recent widows; to travel with Walter; and to "running the roads" with her sisters. They dined at every restaurant in town on a regular basis. She loved to drive and boasted of her great skill at parallel parking. There was nothing she liked better than bombing around town in her car, and it was with great dismay that she gave up driving due to her declining vision. She loved raucous games of 45’s with her siblings and in-laws; hanging out with her buddies at Tim Horton’s; and keeping a sparkling clean home. She had fond memories of get-togethers at the family cottages at Maquapit Lake. Phyllis was never one to sit still. Her mother told her she was born in hurry (before the doctor could arrive) and had been in a hurry ever since. She never put off something that she could do right now – or better yet, yesterday. We will miss her enthusiasm, her generosity, her turkey dinners (especially her signature dressing) and of course her love. The heavens will be brighter now that Phyllis can take charge of shining the stars. Thanks to all her friends on Dundonald Street who were always there for her. Your attention and support helped her continue to stay more or less independently in her own home despite her illness. The family is especially grateful to Hallie Cameron, and to the wonderful staff and volunteers at Hospice House. There will be no visitation or service at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Hospice Fredericton would be appreciated.