Marion “Phyllis” was born on April 7, 1930, just outside Colborne, Ontario, in Cramahe Township to parents Claude C. and Alice G. (Graham) Goodrich. She and her seven siblings, Myrtle, Shirley, Doreen, Glen, Arnold, Cyril, and Doug became very close as they enjoyed their childhood together on the family farm.
After completing her education, Phyllis soon responded to an ad in the newspaper looking for a housekeeper. Stuart Lamont’s father was a widower and in need of some help around the house, so the situation seemed ideal. Stuart met Phyllis at the train station in Toronto, whereby he obviously approved of her application, and the two returned to Bruce County. As they say, the rest was history and the couple was wed in 1951, calling the 8th of Brant home. This had been home to Stuart for much of his life and only seemed right given their desire to start their family. They welcomed Frank in 1952, Brenda in 1956 and Doug in 1958. Phyllis loved her young family dearly and worked tirelessly to provide for them. She taught them many life-skills, particularly how to care for themselves as they got older.
Once the children were all enrolled in school, Phyllis went to work with Stuart at the Post Office. Stuart had begun with the postal service a few years prior in Hanover and had an opportunity in the mid 60’s to relocate to the Elmwood office and buy the building. The Lamont family moved to Elmwood in 1965, whereby she and Stuart made a great team operating the Post Office. They continued in this role until 1982, when Stuart retired and they sold the building.
The couple then moved to the Kinsmen apartments in Hanover where they began their retirement. In the years that followed they enjoyed travelling on a variety of road trips to both the east and west coasts as well as heading north to Alaska. The extra free time also allowed Phyllis to spend more time loving and caring for her beloved flowers, particularly her poinsettias and lilies. She also used this time to start a collection of dolls.
Phyllis was a faithful member of Elmwood United Church. She loved being active within the church, helping with a variety of committees and functions throughout the years. She loved listening to gospel music and spent countless hours reading her Bible. In her later years, Phyllis attended Grace United Church in Hanover while physically able.
Sadly, in 2000 Stuart suffered a severe stroke that left him severely immobilized. Phyllis continued to care for him until his death a year later in 2001. Soon after she began experiencing her own health challenges as she began suffering from dementia. Her condition worsened and in 2003 she moved into The Village for further care. Here she lived out her remaining days, enjoying the little things in life, surrounded by her family and close friends. Phyllis passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2019 in her 90th year.
Loving mother of Frank and Doug, both of Elmwood and Brenda (Peter) Gassner of Hamilton. Cherished grandmother of Jennifer (Benjamin), Katelin (Bertan), Sarah (Troy), Michael (Krystal) and great-grandmother of Felix and Kierra. Phyllis will be fondly remembered by her sisters Myrtle McMurray, Shirley (Everett) Warner, Doreen (Gary) Woods, brother Doug (Lorna) Goodrich and sisters-in-law Helen and Ethel Goodrich. She was predeceased by her husband Stuart, brothers Glen, Arnold, Cyril and her parents Claude and Alice (Graham) Goodrich.
A funeral service celebrating Phyllis’ life will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow. Interment in Elmwood United Cemetery.
Memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
