Phyllis Lehman

Click Here to View Service


Peacefully, in the closing hours of May 6, 2022, Phyllis Lehman (nee Benson), 86, of Brampton, Ontario, passed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour.

Born on July 24, 1935 in York Township on the outskirts of Toronto, Ontario, Phyllis was the fifth of five children born to William and Edith Benson (nee Glenfield), immigrants from Belfast, Ireland. Devoted wife to Eldon B. Lehman Jr. Loving mother of Bradley, Stephen and Tirina. Beloved mother-in-law of Elizabeth (Beth) Lehman (nee Freeland) and Beatriz Lehman (nee Garcia).

Greatly loved grandmother (“Grandma”) of Benjamin (Nadein Girgis), Joshua (Kayla Knapp), Charissa and Angela Lehman; Samuel and Daniel Lehman.

Tender great-grandmother of Abraham and Jedidiah (in heaven); and Oakley.

Predeceased by sisters/brothers-in-law Janet (Arthur) Holliday, Edith (Lyle) Bender, Audrey (Bill) Sullivan; and by brother/sister-in-law Bill (Julia) Benson.

Survived by sister-in-law/brother-in-law Merla (Merv) Watson and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

Phyllis attended King George Public School and Runnymede Collegiate in Toronto, Ontario. She trusted the Lord Jesus as her Saviour while attending a children’s summer program at Runnymede Baptist Church. At age 13, she suffered an ear infection which left her deaf in one ear and only 20% hearing left in the other. In 1954 Phyllis was hired as a secretary and switch board operator for Wilson’s Transport Company, where she met and fell in love with the boss’ son, her future husband Eldon. Phyllis and Eldon were married in Knox College Chapel in 1957 and the newlyweds set sail on the Queen Mary to Europe where Eldon was to perform with the International Youth Orchestra in Vienna. Phyllis and Eldon moved to Etobicoke, Ontario where they raised their three children. The young family enjoyed many happy summer camping trips together, hauling their Starcraft trailer behind the faithful family station wagon to visit many wonderful places across North America, from the Adirondack Mountains in New York, to Salt Lake City in Utah, and to the Rocky Mountains in the Canadian western provinces.

Upon retirement Phyllis and Eldon relocated to Guelph, Ontario before eventually returning in 2021 to live at Holland Christian Homes in Brampton, Ontario.

Phyllis and Eldon were very much involved in church life, from their time at High Park Baptist Church in Toronto, Richview Baptist Church in Etobicoke, and later at First Christian Reformed Church followed by Crestwicke Baptist Church in Guelph. Phyllis was the consummate hostess, from weekly Sunday family dinners, special occasions such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, to simple gatherings of friends after Sunday evening church. Her ability to whip up chocolate chip cookies, muffins, scones and other goodies was heartily appreciated by all. Phyllis utilized her culinary skills to organize and mobilize the Richview Baptist Church kitchen for socials, bridal showers and funerals, running a tight ship and keeping all the other church ladies on their toes.

The thing Phyllis loved best in the world was babies, the younger the better! She could take a fussy baby, swaddle them up tight, dangle them on her knee and they immediately grew calm. Phyllis was a Baby Whisperer and always had the biggest smile whenever she held a wee one. She poured her life into her family and her children’s lives and her greatest joy was holding her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was always interested in her grandchildren’s lives and hearing all about their plans for the future. Phyllis was a prayer warrior and faithfully prayed for each member of her family daily. Her first thought was always how she could help, feed or serve others. She took care of us all, and we will miss her greatly. But as a family we are confident in the assurance that we will one day be reunited with her in our Heavenly Home.

**************

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Holland Christian Homes in Heritage Hall, 7900 McLaughlin Road South, Brampton (one block south of Steeles Avenue) on Saturday June 4, 2022 at 11:00 am (reception to follow).

COVID protocol: Given the vulnerability of the residents who live at Holland Christian Homes and in the best interest of everyone’s health, the family asks that visitors wear masks as they enter and traverse through the hallways. If you are feeling unwell on the day, kindly stay home and participate by viewing the service online. The family thanks you for your understanding.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted to the Bible League Canada.

PARKING

Visitor parking available onsite in any non-numbered parking spot as well as any numbered parking spot that is NOT marked “Reserved” or “Tenant Parking” in the following locations: main parking area next to Providence Tower, parking area behind King Tower (located south of Kingknoll Drive), and parking area behind Trinity Tower (located north of the main parking area). Additional street parking is available on Kingknoll Drive (north side only).

LIVESTREAM OF SERVICE

https://youtu.be/-VQ0SlEGBsc



Click Here to View Service