Obituary of Phyllis Vogt

PHYLLIS MARIE VOGT February 12, 1932 – April 8, 2016 Phyllis Marie Vogt passed away peacefully with family at her side at the Regina General Hospital on April 8, 2016, at the age of 84 years. Phyllis was born on February 12, 1932, the eldest child of Ann (Weimer) and John Eisler of Odessa, SK. She often spoke of how wonderful it was to grow up in a small town, in a more innocent time. She was predeceased by her husband Alfred, her parents, and her beloved brother Leonard, an aerobatic pilot in the RCAF. Phyllis and Alfred grew up in Odessa and became high school sweethearts, eventually marrying in 1954. After high school, Phyllis entered nursing training at the Regina Grey Nuns Hospital. Following graduation, she worked in women’s surgery, then as head nurse in the recovery room and later, the maternity ward. In addition, Phyllis carried out nursing instruction. After having her family, Phyllis’s career turned to office nursing for several busy specialists, including Dr. Al Eistetter, husband of her double-first cousin and dear friend, Dorothy, until his retirement. Phyllis enjoyed music, and was an accomplished pianist, as a young woman landing a spot in “Ted’s Band”, performing in her home town and the surrounding area. In later years, she enjoyed playing for family and friends, singing songs around the piano. Later on, she was also an avid member of the Sweet Adelines. She loved camping, animals and birds, taking up bird-watching with her kids, appreciating the wonders of nature and proving to us all she could “rough it”! She and Al travelled widely, at times with five kids in tow! After Al’s passing, she continued to tour the globe. Phyllis gained many admirers throughout her life, whether through her nursing or her numerous hobbies and social activities. She loved people and always assumed the best. Her family and everyone who knew her, loved and respected her for her kind and caring nature as well as unwavering support and selflessness. She had a sharp wit and sense of humour that she retained during her final hospital stay, still exchanging quips with the nurses even as her heart failed her. Left to cherish Phyllis’s memory are her children Warren, Vanessa, Patricia, and Jeffrey (Lynda) and granddaughters Jessica and Laura, youngest son Murray, grandchildren Sarah and Neil (Becky), and great-grandchildren Tirzah, Connor, Harrison, and Joseph. She is also survived by her sister Mildred and brothers Jess (Sheila), Ron (Donnie), Syd (Shirley) and their families. Mom loved her family deeply and was always a tower of strength and the “glue” that held us all together, despite becoming so very frail. She forged remarkable bonds with each child and grandchild that will remain intact. We in turn loved our Mom and Grandmother more than words can express, and will miss her always. Phyllis was able to stay in her home far longer than would have been possible thanks to daughter Vanessa, who cared for our Mom and all of her needs for a number of years; on behalf of Mom’s other children, we wish to sincerely express our gratitude for this huge personal commitment. The family wishes to thank the staff of 5E at the Regina General Hospital for the professional and compassionate care given to our mother, supporting us in our hopes for a recovery, and ensuring Mom retained her dignity and suffered little in her final days and hours. A special thanks goes to her long-time physician Dr. S. Bester and office manager, Shirley. We know that the extra years we had with Mom were largely due to their special attention and extraordinary care. We also send our warmest appreciation to Sister Loretta Vogt in Chatham, Ontario, for her letters, phone calls, and many special prayers for Mom. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2016, at Holy Cross R.C. Church, 315 Douglas Ave E., Regina, SK with Fr. Jose Periyilkatte as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery, where Phyllis will be laid to rest beside her husband Al, as she wished. Flowers are gratefully declined; in lieu, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or an animal rescue or rehab charity of your choice.