It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Phyllis Yvonne Johnson Groseclose announces that she peacefully passed away at the age of 83 on March 13, 2021 surrounded by her children. Mom was the first child born to Myrtle (Strinholm) & Carl Johnson. She was raised on the family farm in the Bagley district along with her younger siblings Arnell, Byron and Sharon. Mom attended North Star School from Grade 1 through Grade 8 with just one teacher. Mom and her brothers walked or biked in the summer and cross country skied in winter to school. She completed grades 9 and 10 at Pine Bluff school with her Aunt Lorene as her high school teacher. After leaving high school, she took a job at Melfort Union Hospital as a kitchen aid. In 1956 she met Gordon Groseclose at a community dance at Rothwell School in the Clemens district. Mom & Dad married in 1957. While living in Melfort, they raised 3 daughters, Terry, Sheryl, and Julie, as well as 2 sons, Brett and Darren. In 1971 she decided to return to the work force, and she resumed her career at MUH as an aid. Soon after, she was given the opportunity to be the dessert pastry cook, which was her passion. When MUH discontinued this position, she became the head cook. During her career she obtained her journeyman cook certificate, and she took great pride in this accomplishment. After working for 30 years, she retired in 2003. Growing up there were many family picnics in the pines with her large extended Strinholm family. Aunts, uncles and cousins gathered on Sundays with thermos’ of “coffee”, potluck and blueberry picking. This tradition carried on for many years, long after she was married and had children. Mom was very proud of her Swedish heritage. Her paternal grandparents and all of her paternal extended family live and lived in Sweden. One of her most memorable vacations was in 1981 when mom, Grandma Myrtle, Terry and Sheryl travelled to Sweden and and she met her many Johansson aunts, uncles and cousins for the first time. As kids growing up, we spent many family vacations camping at various northern lakes, Barrier and Marean Lakes, eventually Mom & Dad established a family destination at Caribou Creek along the Hanson Lake road. They enjoyed fishing and everything else the outdoors had to offer. They made many longtime friendships while camping. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. She spent a lot of time with her grandchildren while they were growing up, as she would offer to babysit whenever possible. In addition to her babysitting, we would gather at her house almost anytime of the week, usually on the weekends and special occasions. Her house was often abuzz with all of us, while she was cooking up one of her many delicious meals. In her retirement she spent many hours volunteering in the community and she was an avid bowler. We will remember Mom for her kind, gentle heart with patience like no other. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention Mom’s chocolate chip cookies that could always be found in the cookie pail in the cupboard. Mom also baked famous mouth watering cinnamon buns and they are her legacy at MUH. After a fall in 2014, Osteoporosis, the “silent thief”, was relentless and robbed her of her body. In 2016 she could no longer live on her own, and she moved to Nirvana Assisted Living and lived there until July 2019 when she was no longer a candidate for assisted living. She then moved to Chateau Providence in St. Brieux for a brief stay, and then to Parkland Place in November 2019. We are very grateful to the staff for the wonderful care Mom received while residing in these homes. Left behind to cherish her memory is her family: Daughter: Terry & Kevin Leathem and family Jared & Joel Daughter: Sheryl & Ted Panchyshyn and family Brennon & Jenna, Brant & Kensley, Bryden. Briana & Dan Son: Brett & Debbie and family Jade, Caleb & Kim, Ayden & Kade Daughter: Julie Groseclose and family Andrea & Dave Friesen, Gavin & Bailie, Kristofer Peterson, Dane & Jessica Peterson, Sven & Leif Son: Darren & Carla and family Teigan & Kalista Brother: Byron & Patti Johnson and family Laurie, Barb, Shelley and their families Sister in law: Pauline Johnson and family Quenton, Kristin, Carla and their families Sister in law: Violet Friesen (103 yrs of age) and her family As well as many nieces and nephews on Dad’s side Mom was predeceased by her husband Gordon of 39 years (1996), parents Myrtle (1999) Carl (1974), sister Sharon (1962), brother Arnell (2017), niece Carina (1989), sister in law Norma (1994), father in law George Groseclose (1966), mother in law Grace Hopkins (1993) brother in law Ken Groseclose (1956), sisters in law and their husbands Myrtle & Leslie Armstrong, Mildred & Henry Rolles, Vivian & Henry Baumgartner, Charlotte & Gerrie Johnson, brother in law Jake Friesen Donations in mom’s memory can be made online to Osteoporosis Canada or the Heart & Stroke Foundation A private celebration of Mom’s life will be held in the spring. 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