March 22, 1932 - May 8, 2025
In loving memory ~
Peggy was born in Grand Forks BC in 1932 to parents Ezra and Ann Henniger and passed away peacefully at age 93 after an incredibly rich life. She was pre-deceased by her husband Barry Philips, son Doug Phillips, parents, and siblings. She is survived by her son David (Marj) and daughter Monica (Jeff), five grandchildren James (Alyssa), Robb (Tess), Lex (Daylene), Kayden, and Jenna (Reid), and four great-grandchildren Lincoln, Shelby, Koa and Bobbi.
Peggy attended elementary and high school in Grand Forks, graduating in 1950 and was voted the top female athlete amongst her class. She continued her education at UBC, Normal School in Vancouver, and later Washington State University. Her teaching career began in Vancouver and Mission BC, until she and Barry moved back to Grand Forks in 1957. She was an integral member of the Grand Forks community working as an educator for 26 years. Peggy taught English and PE and worked as a counsellor at the Grand Forks High School. She also served as a counsellor to elementary schools across the district. She was passionate in supporting students and coached swimming, volleyball, and skiing, and supported many band and youth leadership group trips. Education was central to Peggy's core. Outside of the High School, Peggy organized and led support groups for parents of children with ADHD, the STEP parenting class, and developed and taught Sex Ed classes before it was introduced provincially. Across both her working and retired life, Peggy volunteered with many community organizations including the Hospital Auxiliary, Boundary Women's Coalition, Women's Resource Centre, and the Grand Forks Child and Youth Committee. She was a founding member of the Phoenix Foundation and BFSS and was proud to represent these organizations.
Peggy's love of Christina Lake was deeply rooted in her soul. Her family bought property at the Lake in 1918, so from her first year to her 91st she was out swimming in the Lake in the summer! Swimming was a great joy of hers; she went on to teach many children swim lessons and water safety, was a synchronized swimmer at UBC in 1950, and a Master's swimmer in her retirement. She met her husband Barry at age 13 at Christina Lake, and along with her siblings and friends, enjoyed summers filled with swimming, water skiing, canoeing, and dancing at the Christina Lake Pavillion. In her youth, Peggy loved hiking up Fife to Ferraros' farm for vegetables, getting milk delivered by boat from the Skands Farm, and inviting her friends for fresh baked bread from the wood stove in their cabin. Peggy's character was built on a foundation of love, adventure, and peace found in the waters of Christina Lake. Every summer Peggy and Barry shared that joy with their own children and grandchildren. In retirement, she and Barry made Christina Lake their permanent residence.
Across Peggy's life she had many interests including photography, singing with the Grand Forks Choral Society, knitting, reading, and sewing. Following a battle with breast cancer in 1999, Peggy was a charter member of the Kootenay Robusters and paddled with them on Christina Lake for 18 years until the age of 87. In her later years, Peggy had an affinity for dogs and would often be doting on her own dog Cody, and her late son Doug's dog Kiki.
Peggy had a remarkable zest for adventures. After retirement, many summers included a 2-3- week kayaking trip on the West Coast of BC with a cherished group of women. They expanded from sea kayaking to hiking the Chilcoot Trail and trekking through the Himalayas in Nepal. This enthusiasm spilled over to other travels with her husband and friends. She enjoyed trips to Portugal, Prague, China, New Zealand, Nunavut, Africa, Europe, and Scotland. However, Mexico captured a special spot in her and Barry's hearts as they found themselves enjoying many winters there and returning to Christina Lake for Spring and Summer.
Peggy's greatest talents were as a listener and networker. She had a genuine curiosity about anyone that she met. The family would always joke that wherever Peggy went, she would always meet someone with whom she had a connection. Peggy was a remarkable teacher and role model. She was a leader of her time in women's rights, the glue of her family (immediate and extended), and carried out her life with grace and dignity. She was the finest example of the human spirit. These gifts will be cherished by all who knew and loved her.
Her family thanks the staff at Silver Kettle, her doctor, and the incredible help and companionship from Judy, Sharon, and Cherie during Peggy's last years through a difficult journey of dementia.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Pheonix Foundation or the Christina Lake Stewardship Society.