Phyllis O'Driscoll
July 26, 1947 to June 22, 2026
Obituary
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Phyllis O’Driscoll in Toronto, June 22, 2026.
Phyllis, was raised and educated in St. John’s.
Predeceased by her parents Ruth (Turnbull) and Don O’Driscoll of St. John’s . Aunt Wynn Ann O’Driscoll Wadden. And others of the O’Driscoll family in NL and Turnbull family in Alberta
She leaves to mourn their loss and cherish their memories, her sons; Marcel d’Entremont (Alison) in Vancouver, Julien d’Entremonte (Celine) Victoria,BC. Her sister and best friend Wendy English (Dave) in Victoria,BC., Her beloved grandchildren Genevieve, Mason and Quentin.
Brothers John O’Driscoll ,Victoria BC, Mark O’Driscoll (Paula) Torbay. Paul O’Driscoll (Kathleen) New Brunswick and Christopher O’Driscoll (Donna) St. John’s. Her spouse Dr. Wm Rankin of Nova Scotia and Toronto.. many nieces and nephews colleagues and friends.
Phyllis loved and enjoyed her home province whether it was in St. John’s with her family , up the Shore or out to St. Mary’s Bay to visit relatives; she was a proud Newfoundlander. To say that our darling Phyllis led life to the fullest would be an understatement. She graduated from Memorial and then Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. She lived in St. John’s where she taught school before moving to Nova Scotia to study and start her life in the creative arts. She was a master weaver and silk screen artist. If you happened to visit her in Chester, you would see her clothes lines hanging with multicoloured wool that she had dyed herself from flowers and weeds she found along the road side. Her loom spun art. Phyllis attended The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York NY. She started her own fashion business “After the Apple” which featured her original silk screen material; showcased and sold in Canada and New York. With support from the Federal Govt. Phyllis went to Africa where she worked with women in rural villages to enhance their skills and start cottage industries. She liaised with Canada and Russia in the textile trade. She even had her own KGB driver on her visits in those days to Russia.
When she moved to Toronto, she was a sought after consultant, creating brands and designs for major companies including Joe Fresh and Simon Chang. All while raising two sons she adored.
Yes! She never stopped teaching and learning, She even went to Europe when she was young to study tea brewing because her father’s company. P.C.O’Driscoll imported Tetley tea. These are but snippets of her amazing life.
In her past years Phyllis and her spouse Bill did a lot travelling, from Antarica to Newfoundland to Nova Scotia and especially to BC to be with her sons. Her interest in travelling was passed on to Marcel and Julien who are both airline pilots. Her heart was captured by her grandchildren. How she loved her family!!
She has friends around the world who are saddened to hear she has passed on to her next big adventure.
In Newfoundland, her friends of over 60 years are smiling at every Phyllis anecdote, every “girls” trip we took together with her and Wendy, every visit here or at Phyllis’ homes away. Yes there are tears but they are through the laughs, memories, friendship and love that started long ago and will last forever.
At Phyllis’ request cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration of life at a later date.
Dear Chris and Donna,
Andy and I send our sincere sympathy on the loss of your sister, Phyllis. From reading her obit, she was a wonderful person who will be deeply missed by all her family and friends.
Vi and Andy Kerr
I had the great pleasure of getting to know Phyllis through our mutual friend Vicky Stikeman. I have many fond memories of summer “girls” week at Manitou with Phys and a boat load of other fun women. Also, we spent time in Toronto, hanging out at swimming pools, and Phyllis taking care of kids while parents swam. She was a sparkle and sweet and she is missed.
Chris & Donna and family.
Sending our sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one. I’ll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days.
Sincerely Gail & Duncan Hart
I met Phyllis at the Rosedale Glen. It was such a pleasure to get to know her. She was full of joy and loved to speak of her experiences. Rita and I enjoyed being with her.
My condolences to Bill and to her family.
Jean-Louis Tourikian
We lived across the street.from the O’Driscoll’s
Sad to here the news
Many memories
We got to know Phyllis in Toronto, as the partner of our friend Bill Rankin here at Rosedale Glen. She was always gracious, soft spoken and had an edgy fashion forward look which was fascinating. Her stories of her career in so many exotic locations, while raising two boys, was amazing. Her courage and strength are to be admired.
Our condolences to all,
Diane and Brent Arlitt
Peace and Blessings be upon Phyllis. I have fond memories of hanging out at the O’Driscoll home as a youngster. My condolences to her friends and family.
As I sit here in my vehicle outside Royal Bank on Elizabeth Ave East in St. John’s, I am reflecting on growing up in this immediate neighbourhood with the O’Driscolls as we lived on Cherry Hill Rd and the O’Driscolls lived on adjacent Laughlin Crescent . As a young kid, I spent lots of time at the Laughlin Cres house as Wendy and I were great friends in those early days . I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Phyllis and I do indeed have very fond memories of her. My memory tells me that the family had an Irish Setter and Wendy may remember our Newfoundland dog named India . All that seems like a lifetime ago but I reflect on it very fondly.
To Wendy and her siblings and extended family I offer my sincere condolences and hugs to all
Chris O’Dea