Phyllis passed away after a brief illness at Georgian Bay General Hospital, Midland, on Monday, January 27, 2025, in her 92nd year! Phyllis, loving wife of Ken Graydon. Cherished mom of Catherine Graydon (Russell Gray) and Sheila Graydon. Predeceased by her brothers Ian and Donal. Phyllis was born and raised on a farm in Lachute, Quebec and started her career as an OR Nurse in Montreal. Phyllis met Ken and then life took her to Bolton, Ontario. Phyllis’ career was short as she jumped into rural life on 4 acres and raising a family.
Phyllis, aka The Bird Lady, was an avid birder, constant gardener, volunteer and wrote a weekly bird column “On The Wing” for the Bolton Enterprise. Phyllis was a woman who gave back to her community and found joy in doing so. She volunteered her time at Chez Thrift, a cause that was close to her heart, and those who knew her couldn’t help but laugh about her ‘first pick of the stock.’ It was just another way that Phyllis added a little spark to her life and to those around her. Phyllis was a devoted member of Caven Presbyterian Church (Bolton) and St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Humber Heights (Weston).
Special thanks to Dr Peter K and Dr Mathai and all the remarkable caregivers at Georgian Bay General Hospital. This includes the wonderful support from the visiting Chaplins and Deacons. You kept mom in a good and comfortable place and helped us thru this journey.
Family and friends are invited to Phyllis’ Celebration of Life at Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Saturday, April 26 from 10 o’clock until time of service in the chapel at 11 o’clock, followed by a light lunch. Please rsvp to cmgraydon@gmail.com
As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Alzheimer’s Society – https://alzheimercanada.donorsupport.co/page/NHLPA_2025?_lang=en
Ontario Field Ornithologists – https://ofo25.wildapricot.org/donate
Sleeping Children Around the World – https://www.scaw.org/donations-home
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Phyllis Maureen Graydon (MacDougall)
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Trent
My deepest condolences. Thinking of your family at this difficult time.
Doug
It was a pleasure to have known Phyllis—her gardening skills were truly remarkable. One of my fondest memories with her was our friendly competition to see who could grow the best vegetables. I was convinced my tomatoes were the finest, until I realized her expertise far surpassed mine.
Brenda Goodfellow Mayes
Catherine and Sheila: first our sincere condolences. Rest assured my mom is at the Pearly Gates with arms wide open to greet her bird loving friend. Your mom taught mom all about the birds, and she enjoyed your hospitality with the annual Cavan get together at your beautiful home once a year. Mom looked forward to this outing. We have so many memories that we can share, but we are holding them close to our heart. I stopped in at Orangeville a year ago and your mom took one look at me and said “You’re a Goodfellow”. Thank you for keeping in touch with your family updates.
Brenda and Earle, Kevin, Donna and Don and Scott
Gay Brown
Dear Sheila, Catherine, Russell and Ken –
How well you all loved and cared for Phyllis, as she had done for all of you. While you will miss her deeply, may you find peace and joy in remembering her life with you, and in having each other to hold dear. I will think of her whenever I see a zinnia blooming.
Glen and Christina Early
Catherine and Sheila –
So sorry to hear about your Mom. 92 years is an incredible life. A lot of people will remember reading her column and probably learning something about birds every time they sat down to read it. Castlederg Sideroad was a great place to study the flying creatures.
“Hi” and condolences to Russ as well. For some reason, I was just thinking about his 32-ounce plaque at the Elliott Steak House yesterday.
Glen Early
Nancy Shaw
Dear Catherine,
I’m so sorry to hear that your Mom passed away. Although I never met her, I heard such wonderful things about her and have read her column in the past. She had a full life and an amazing family – a very lucky woman! My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Nancy Shaw
Bob Hart
Phyllis had a long, happy, and productive life and it has been a great privilege for me to have known her since her marriage to Ken. I, along with family and friends, remember enjoying many great times with Phyllis and her family on vacations, anniversaries, birthdays etc. As members of OAC class ’56, we remember the big part Phyllis and Ken played in organizing class reunions and trips and the endless distribution of news that kept us together.
Sue Czarnionka
Ken, Sheila and Catherine
What a delight it was to know Phyllis during her visits to Sheila! A truly lovely lady in every way. We are so sorry about her passing. Prayers and love to all of you.
Sue and Paul Czarnionka
Sharon & Ken Grubbe
Our sincere condolences to Ken and all of the Graydon family on the passing of Phyllis. She was a wonderful lady and will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved her.
Lorraine Witty
Warm condolences to Ken, Catherine and Sheila from your Castlederg neighbours. We have fond memories of visits and support including weekly piano lessons.
Harvey and Lorraine Witty
Edna Wright
Sheila and Catherine
We have never met, but I always enjoyed reading the column each week, in the Bolton paper by your Mother of all the birds people spotted.
A friend Edna Wright, Caledon East area
Marliese Spudik
I enjoyed working with Phyllis at Chez Thrift for many years. Her sense of humor was great and she was a
joy to work with. My deepest sympathies to the family.
Carol Atkinson
Condolences to Catherine and all the family. She was a lovely person. Relish your fondest memories of her.
David Learoyd
My deepest condolences to all of you on the loss of Phyllis. I have so many wonderful memories of her from over the years. She was an amazing lady.
Ian C Heggie
My deepest condolences to the family Have only known Phyllis for about a year. Such a lovely woman
Beth Sangster
We are so sorry for your loss. Our families shared many happy memories together. Phyllis was a lovely person with a beautiful smile, a mischievous giggle and a profound knowledge of birds and plant life. May she rest in peace.
Susan, Donna, Beth (The Sangster family).
Tamara and Steve Niepage
We hold our memories and love for Phyllis close to our hearts and keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
We were blessed to call her friend.
Mary mac gregor
Our sincere condolences to you all. Jim and I have many happy memories of times spent together. Prayers and hugs, Jim and mary
Dave Morgan
Ken, Catherine & Sheila, we are so saddened to hear of your loss.
Phyllis will live forever in the stories we tell…
Her birds, the missing puzzle piece, the missing pralines. These are the moments in life that bring friends together as family.
Love from Dave, Ruvy & Lillian
THE Morgans
Heather
Ken. Catherine and Sheila
So sorry to hear of Your wife and Mom’s passing. You and your family will be in our prayers
Larry and Heather Stewart Laidlaw
Tom and Debbie Brown
We have many fond memories of Phyllis from our years at Cavan Presbyterian Church – car rallies, plant sales, strawberry suppers, Church Ladies Christmas dinners, all the wonderful fellowship of those good years.
Garry & Christine Hilliard
Deepest sympathies , Ken , Sheila, and Catherine on Phyllis passing. I had the pleasure of getting to know Phyllis and family through my endeavours helping the family keep their beautiful property in pristine condition. I so enjoyed talking to Phyllis after finishing my work as I too had an appreciation for birding and nature.
Patti and Len Foley
Our condolences to Phyllis’ family on her passing. She was a fascinating lady and we always enjoyed her column in the paper. We connected a few times over the years as she helped me identify birds in our backyard in Bolton. A life well lived!
Bill Holmes / Style Automotive
Ken And The Graydon Family. Our Deepest At This Difficult Time . We Enjoyed The Company Of Phyllis And Ken When They Came To The Shop For Service Or Advice On Purchasing Vehicles. She Will Be Missed , May All The Good Times And Memories Give You Strength At This Time . She Was An Incredible Person . May She Rest In Peace. Bill
William Holmes / Style Automotive
Ken And The Graydon Family. Our Deepest Condolences At This Difficult Time . We Enjoyed The Company Of Phyllis And Ken When They Came To The Shop For Service Or Advice On Purchasing Vehicles. She Will Be Missed , May All The Good Times And Memories Give You Strength At This Time . She Was An Incredible Person . May She Rest In Peace. Bill
Richard Gauthier
Dear Ken, Catherine, Sheila and family.
I was heartbroken to hear of Phyllis’s passing. I have known this beautiful lady for almost 30 years and have always appreciated her classiness and poise.
Her entire life was devoted to Ken, her family and the wonderment that is nature. She was a wonderful and loving lady.
I will miss her.
Richard Paterson
KEN ,,,PLEASE ACCEPT MY SINCERE CONDOLENCE FOR YOUR LOSS,
I ALSO AM A LIFELONG BIRD WATCHER…AND WILL NOW THINK OF PHYLLIS WITH EVERY NEW SIGHTING .
SINCERELY ; DICK PATERSON
PETER HARRIS
Ken
Our deepest condolences. Phyllis was a great lady and our thoughts are with you and your family.
Peter and Susan
Tim Reuss
Dear Ken,
I was deeply sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. On behalf of everyone at CADA, please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts are with you and your family as you navigate this incredibly difficult time.
If there is anything you need or any way we can support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Most Sincerely,
Tim Reuss
President & CEO
Canadian Automobile Dealers Association
Shirley Roberts
Ken, Sheila, Catherine and Russell:
It is with deep sadness that we mourn Phyllis’ death. From early cottage memories at Lake Commanda to Gloucester Pool and many lakes in between, to theatre dates and Swiss Chalet dinners, to nature walks and birding, to card games and jig saw puzzles, we remember her. She was a talented and classy lady. She is profoundly missed.
Blessings at this difficult time, Shirley
Elizabeth
I miss Phyllis so much, as we end thirty years of friendship, weekly walks together, lunch in the woods, sometimes on a snowy log and so on .
Your loss is so very much greater that I cannot imagine it. You have my love and deepest condolences at this time.
Elizabeth
Randal
My deepest condolences on the loss of such a wonderful lady.
I came to know Phylis at Caven Church. Always strong , kind hearted and positive.
At one time submitted a photo of what she identified as a Saw-whet owl in her article.
Every time I drive the 15th sideroad I always think of that spot as the Grayden’s and probably always will.
Carine Strong
Catherine and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mom was an incredible lady and I loved volunteering with her at Chez Thrift. She was wonderful with the clients, always had a smile and kind word for everyone. I learned so much from your mom about identifying all the birds from her columns. I have your mom to thank for now sharing her knowledge with my grandchildren on our nature walks. I hope that the beautiful legacy she leaves behind can bring you comfort during these difficult days. She is at peace now and will always be in your hearts.
John White
Dear Ken,
Please accept my sincerest condolences to you and your family for the passing of Phylis. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Stay strong my friend.
Warmest regards
John White
Janice Cupples Oman
Dear Family,
I was searching for a way to contact Ken and Phyllis as my mom has just passed away and I wanted to let them know. I was shocked and saddened to see this obituary. I remember Ken and Phyllis fondly when I was a child in Bolton. I believe we left Bolton in 1966. My parents were Doug and Kay Cupples. My mom passed away on February 6, she had just turned 93. I remember fun times at the cottage with Sheila and Catherine. I’ve forgotten where the cottage was.
I also remember Phyllis as a kind and gentle woman. Condolences to you all, and love to Ken
Curt
My deepest sympathy Ken, Cat and Sheila.
Some of my best memories are of birding with Phyllis or checking out her gardens.
The world will be a smaller place without her.
Terry Wiegard
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Terry & Rhonda
Anna Cavalcante
Catherine and family, my deepest condolences on the passing of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Alice
R.I.P she served me many times at the thrift store very pleasant
Euleta Wright
To Ken and family, my condolences to the Graydon family. Phyllis was usually my partner during snack/coffee times at Church.
Sleep-in-Peace Phyllis. Miss you.
Euleta
Deborah Bloomer
Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. Eskimo proverb
This is where I say hello to the lovely kind and gentle Phyllis.
Thank you, lady, for teaching me about birds and flowers, and sharing your Christmases with me at Sheila’s home for so many years. You and Ken were second parents to me when mine were so many miles away.
I will miss you… .
Marti, Craig, Corey & Candace Kellough
Dear Ken, Catherine & Russell, and Sheila,
Thinking of you all and sending our heartfelt condolences. Phyllis touched so many lives with her warmth and generosity, and we feel truly grateful to have known her.
I will always think of her every time I pick up my bins. Her love for nature and birds was truly special “The Bird Lady” in every way. I can only imagine the beautiful chorus that welcomed her with open wings
May you find comfort in the cherished memories and the love that surrounds you during this difficult time.