PHYLLIS JEAN JAMEUS

Phyllis Jean Jameus (nee McPherson), 63, of Couchiching First Nation passed away Sunday, Aug. 20, 2006 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Phyllis was born March 27, 1943 in Fort Frances to the late Elzear and Mary McPherson.
Phyllis grew up at Frog Creek Road on Couchiching, surrounded by older brothers, sisters, and cousins. She always remembered the day her younger brother, Dennis, was born and her reign as the baby ended!
All those older brothers couldn’t keep the boys away from this lovely young woman. In 1962, she met Stan Formanek. They married soon after, and with her young son, Rodney, they set up their home.
It wasn’t long before there were three children; Lisa came along and then JoAnne.
After Phyllis and Stan parted ways, she returned to Fort Frances with her young children. Phyllis was married briefly to Michael Jameus. Following this, help from her extended family allowed Phyllis and the children carried on with their lives.
In the early 1970s, Phyllis decided to pursue her life-long dream to become a hairdresser and went to school in Winnipeg, Man. She returned to Fort Frances to work at the Denisalon, and supplemented her income as a cocktail waitress.
She made many friends of all ages in the community.
Her life changed dramatically after meeting her soulmate, John Csik, in the early 1980s. Together they spent summers at their cabin at Hook Island.
Phyllis’ eye for beauty was reflected in the beautiful flowers that complemented the natural landscape around the cabin. Winters were spent quilting, knitting, reading, and planning for summer at the lake.
After John’s death in 1992, Phyllis returned to school at Rainy River Community College in International Falls, Mn., earning top marks. Her studies gave her an opportunity to express her grief and to come to terms with John’s death.
In her later years, Phyllis was a very private person, preferring to stay close to home in the company of her precious friends, her cats. She enjoyed visits from her family, especially her two young granddaughters, Maureen and Erin.
They have special memories of playing the “Dumb Game” with Grandma—a game also known as “Sardines’.”
Throughout her illness in her last year of life, Phyllis maintained good cheer and complained little. She cherished visits from those who could stop by, and phone calls from those who couldn’t.
In her heart, she felt the love of her family around her always.
She is survived by her son, Rodney Formanek, of Thunder Bay, Ont. and his children, J.P. Miller and Madison Formanek; daughters, Lisa Formanek of Fort Frances, Ont. and JoAnne Formanek-Gustafson of Fort Frances, Ont. and her children, Maureen and Erin Gustafson.
Also surviving is her sister, Edna Lockhart; brothers, Dennis McPherson, Archie McPherson, and Earl McPherson and their families; as well as many dear nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Elzear George McPherson and Mary Martha Stevenson; sisters, Ethel Kenny, Millie Bruyere, and Marjorie Morrisseau; and brothers, Rudolph McPherson, Leo McPherson, and Arnold McPherson.
A celebration of Phyllis’ life will be held Monday, Aug. 28, 2006 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at Couchiching, with Fr. Francis Pudicherry officiating.
If family or friends desire, in lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice c/o Green funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.