It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Felicia (Phyllis) Regina Rymes on Friday, March 26, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Hospital Hospice Care at the age of 92.
Phyllis was born on February 22, 1929 in Fort William to Anthony and Rose Bechencke. Raised on Cameron Street, Phyllis lost her father in the sinking of the S.S. Neebing when she was 7 years old. Phyllis attended Fort William Collegiate and Fort William Business College and worked at the Income Tax Office until she was married as those were the days when women had to give up their jobs when they wed.
Phyllis married the love of her life Jim (Martin James) Rymes and together they raised three sons; Edward, Richard, David, and a daughter Susan. Phyllis stayed home to raise the children and ensure we were all well taken care of. Phyllis loved cooking and baking, gardening, sewing, swimming, bowling, and spending time at the family camp at Pete’s Lake and later at Amethyst Heights on Lake Superior.
Phyllis returned to working outside the home once we were all in school. She enjoyed working at Chapples in the Garden Shop and in Toyland at Christmas time. She also worked at Bata Shoes, Stedman’s in Grandview Mall and Coo’s Christmas store. Phyllis loved chatting with people and the shopping opportunities working in retail offered!
Phyllis loved wintering in Tucson, Arizona after Jim’s retirement where she enjoyed shopping, golfing, and spending time with her brother Eddy and sister-in-law Joyce and family.
As a result of meningitis over 25 years ago, Phyllis lost total hearing which deeply affected her quality of life. Communication became a great challenge, and we are all thankful for those who made the effort to communicate with her using her white board. Phyllis encountered so many health challenges during her life, but she was always a fighter and we so admired her courage and resilience.
Phyllis loved her family and was particularly proud of the accomplishments of her grandchildren. She so enjoyed all our family celebrations. Spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought a big smile to her face.
For over 6 years Phyllis and Jim enjoyed residing at Chartwell Retirement Residence on Arundel Street. After Jim’s passing, Phyllis continued to live there and was so thankful for the wonderful staff who were so kind to her.
Phyllis is predeceased by her loving husband of 68 years Jim who passed away last May, and their youngest son David; her parents, Anthony and Rose Bechencke; brother Eddy Beck and sister-in-law Joyce; sister Wanda and brother-in-law John Martinuzzi; sister-in-law Marie and brother-in-law Bob Metcalf, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Bob and Fran Rymes, Bill and Dorothy Rymes, and Larry and Kitsy Rymes. Phyllis will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sons Ed Rymes (Suzanne), Rick Rymes, daughter Sue Rob (Art), and daughter-in-law Brenda Rymes; grandchildren Jonathan and Vanessa Rymes, Kristi Green (Adam), Katrina Smart (Ian), Neil Rob (Cheyenne Federiconi) and Justin Rob (Shannon Dyce), as well as great-grandchildren Austin, Samantha, Mackenzie and Emerson. Phyllis will also be lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews in Canada and the U.S.
As per Phyllis’ wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please donate to the St. Joseph’s Foundation of Thunder Bay, Hospice/Palliative Care.
The family wish to extend their most sincere appreciation to the wonderful caring staff at Chartwell Retirement Residence especially Stephanie and Sue. You have all been so good to our parents and to our family. Special thanks to Phyllis’ long time doctor, Dr. David Johnson and in recent years Dr. Jonathan Koo for their excellent care. Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Andrew Migay and Dr. Taha for their recent care of Phyllis and to the excellent nursing staff at TBRHSC 2C and at St. Joseph’s Hospital Hospice Care (especially Holly and Angela). Your care and compassion will never be forgotten.
