Obituary of Phyllis Mae Hermillion

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Phyllis Mae (Mayers) Hermillon of New Glasgow on November 28, 2024 in the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Unit, surrounded by those who loved her.

Phyllis was born in Sydney and was adopted by the late Yvonne and Kenneth Mayers. Phyllis attended Saint Francis Xavier University and graduated with a nursing degree in 1963. She worked as a public health nurse until meeting her soulmate Gerard of 51 years and then began her most fulfilling chapter in her life as a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished grandmother.

Phyllis was well known in the community for all of her countless volunteer work. She spent her life helping others and giving back to her community. Over the years, she has volunteered for multiple organizations, most notably, Block Parents, Girl Guides of Canada, The Children’s Wish Foundation, The Canadian Red Cross and she was most proud of her 31 years as a Palliative Care volunteer and board member. Phyllis was an integral part in helping to get the Palliative Care program started in New Glasgow along with the opening of the new unit at the Aberdeen Hospital in 2006. Phyllis was a very compassionate and supportive person who provided comfort to many patients and families.

Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Wendy (Kevin) Kenney and Tracy Hermillon, along with her treasured grandchildren, Jeffrey Gratto and Ashley Kenney.

She was predeceased by her late husband, Gerard; parents,  Yvonne and Kenneth Mayers; brother, James Mayers, Sydney.

The family would like to give special thanks to all of the care she has received over the past few years. All of the wonderful nurses (Palliative and VON), CCA’s and Doctors. A special thanks to her long time friend Kay MacDonald who was there for her after the recent passing of her husband. As well, we would like to give thanks to all of the staff who work at the VON Adult Day program. She looked forward to seeing each of you every week.

The family will receive visitors 2-4 p.m. Monday, December 2 in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow. A private funeral service will be held for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pictou County Palliative Care Society.