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Phyllis (Davidson) Mullen

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Phyllis Isabelle Davidson was the eldest of four children. She was born May 17, 1922 in Warner, Alberta to parents Alex and Greta Davidson. Phyllis had two younger brothers, Leonard and Raymond, and a younger sister, Donna. The Davidson children grew up on a farm northwest of Bowden, Alberta. The family were fortunate enough to always have plenty of food on the table. Phyllis’ dad, Alex, had a trucking business and a garage in Bowden in the later years. He was always busy providing for his family.

Phyllis attended normal school in Calgary, where she got her teaching certificate. Her first teaching job was at a one-room schoolhouse in the Wang District east of Millet. Her next job was in the Hillside District, south of Millet. Phyllis is known as the woman who started the first kindergarten in Millet. After teaching in Millet for many years, she stayed on as a substitute teacher at Millet School until her retirement.

Phyllis met Robert “Bob” Mullen, and on August 4, 1945 they were married. They had eight children: Catherine, Sharon, Dennis, Theresa, Brian, Patricia, Kathleen, and Marilynn. Obviously, along with all of these children, Phyllis and Bob welcomed many grandchildren and great grandchildren into their lives.

Phyllis’ family say that she was the toughest, yet kindest person they ever met. Her priority in life was her family. She was a hands-on, dedicated mother, who loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She would always be playing games, reading a book, or playing cards with the children.

Along with being a busy mother, Phyllis was actively involved in many volunteer activities in Calmar and Millet. Phyllis was not raised Catholic; however, after meeting Robert, she became part of the church. She was a deeply religious person, and rarely missed a Sunday Mass. She was a reliable bingo volunteer for St. Norbert's and the Legion, taught many catechism classes, sat on St. Norberts Parish Council, and was heavily involved with the CWL. Along with volunteering at the church, she was actively involved with the Millet Museum, helping with exhibit preparation. Her love of crafting was in full effect when she joined the Millet Arts and Crafts Guild, where she was kept busy crafting and making friends with the ladies of the guild.

After all her children were tucked into bed, her volunteering was done, and the house was clean, Phyllis somehow found time for her hobbies. Her hobbies included sewing anything and everything. All of her grandchildren received a handmade quillow - a blanket that could be converted into a pillow - and many other hand sewn products. Along with sewing, she did knitting, weaving, embroidery, quilting, rug hooking, ceramics, macramé, milliner, and made Christmas decorations.
 
Phyllis has impacted the lives of many people in the community in her own special way. She will always be remembered by her caring and loving nature, her teaching abilities, and, of course, her crafts.

Phyllis passed away in 2007.