With saddened hearts we announce that Phyllis Ann Petite, 82, of East Bay, passed away on Saturday, August 29, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Sydney, she was the daughter of the late Herbie and Bessie Coombs.

Phyllis was a stay-at-home mom for much of her marriage, but as her kids grew, she re-entered the workforce. She had been a server at Highland Heights Inn in Iona, worked the box office at Centre 200, as well as providing childcare for the Sajatovich family.

Phyllis had a lot of hobbies and creative interests; she enjoyed paper tole art, painting and bowling; she was a long-time member of the bowling league at Heather Bowling Lanes, and was active in the CWL (Catholic Women’s League) for Our Lady of Fatima Church in Sydney River. Following in Carl’s footsteps she was a member of the United Commercial Travellers for over 25 years.

When the kids were smaller, the family spent many a summer tent & trailer camping around the Maritimes and even made a trip across Canada and back again. But all her life, Phyllis loved visiting with friends and family, often taking long trips to see someone she hadn’t seen for a while. And of course, almost every weekend was spent in Benacadie Pond, where all the (Dan X) MacNeil clan was originally from.

Phyllis was a kind and thoughtful person, always putting others first. She would think nothing of driving an hour to pick up her sister-in-law Allie, to take her to a hair appointment. She would often sit with infirm friends, to allow their family some free time for errands. And, of course, anyone who loved dogs as much as she did, and was loved by them in return, is blessed in God’s eyes.

She is survived by her sons, David (Jacqui) and Gregory; daughter, Kelly (Scott) McKenna; brothers, Raymond (Wendy), Donald (Lois), Gerard (Joanne) and Paul (Christena); sister, Valerie (Jed); and her three grandchildren, Ryan, Matthew, and Taylor.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Carl, and brother, Robert in infancy.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS., 902-539-7175. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Thursday, September 3 from 6-8 pm; a funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 4, at 11 am at Our Lady of Fatima, Fr. Conrad Edwards officiating. Interment in Saint Barra Church Cemetery, Christmas Island.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking for a donation to be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.