Phyllis Emily Thistle (nee Bursey)

After a day of sharing memories with her children and grandchildren by her side. Phyllis Emily Thistle (nee Bursey) peacefully went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 14th,2025 in her 90th year.  

Phyllis was born in Lower Island Cove, Newfoundland to Roland and Beatrice Bursey.  At age 16 she travelled to Toronto where she met her future husband Calvin Thistle also from Newfoundland and they married in 1956.  They were blessed with three children, Linda, Calvin and Kevin. They lived in Scarborough for over 50 years where she faithfully attended Wesley Chapel Free Methodist Church. Phyllis spent countless hours entertaining and feeding family and friends at their cottage in Hastings. They sold their cottage in 2016.  After that, they spent time travelling to Hickmans Harbour and Florida to visit her sister Shirley. The joy and pride of her life were her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Phyllis is now at rest with her beloved husband Cal Thistle (2024) & her cherished son Calvin Thistle (1994). She was predeceased by mother Beatrice Bursey (nee Elliott), father Roland Bursey. Predeceased by sister Shirley (the Late Reginald Winters) and brother in law Rex Clarke.

Cherished by daughter Linda Coates (Glen) & son Kevin Thistle (Shanda) & brother in law Jim Thistle (Melvina) & sister in law Laura Clarke (Harry). Missed by daughter in laws Rhonda Thistle & Heather Haynes. Forever remembered by granddaughters Amanda Whelan (Robert), Emma Coates (Reece), Hannah Verdonk (Nate) & grandsons Calvin Thistle & Christian Thistle. She leaves behind her cherished great granddaughters Ava Whelan, Ivy Whelan, Violet Verdonk, Aurora Foster & great grandson Oliver Calvin Verdonk.

She will be missed by many nieces and nephews as well as a large circle of neighbours & friends. 

In keeping with Phyllis’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. A private Interment will be held at a later date.