(nee: Murdock)
Surrounded by her family, it is with great sorrow and sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear mother, gran, granny, gramma, baw, great-gran, sister, and aunt, Phyllis Doreen Garson, at the age of 82 years, of Fisher River Cree Nation, on January 28, 2026, at the Percy E. Moore Hospital.
Mom leaves to mourn her beloved children: Conrad (Linda), Kim (Larry), Lil Joe (Darlene), Cindy, Bryden, Gary (Crystal), and her babies Dwayne and Norma (Vaughan).
Also left to mourn are her grandchildren: Merv (Chrissy), Alison; Larry Dwayne, Barry, Derrick, Tyler, and Terilyn; Michelle and Darin; Lauren, Jayce, Aneeka, Brayden, Bryson, Junior, and Gideon; Haylee, Joseph, and Joel; and Dana, as well as her pride and joy, 21 great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her siblings: Violet Cochrane, Bev (Jim) Muswagon, Colleen (Lorne) Cochrane, Carlson (Marilyn), Dennis (Joy), Larry (Anita), Shawna, David (Linda), and Winston.
Mom also leaves to mourn very special people Warren (Jen) Garson, children Devon (Shawna), Toria, Jarren and Bernie; Bernice (Jayde) Mckay; and dad's daughter Debbie and her family.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Joe Garson Sr.; granddaughters Jenn and Ardelle; great-grandchildren Madden and Joseph; her parents Wilfred and Winnie Murdock; sisters Mary-Lou, Yvonne, Rachel, and most recently Gloria; brothers Stanford and Norman; one sibling in infancy; nephews Sonny and Wayne and nieces Lana and Amanda.
Mom was a sweet, gentle, and kind woman who carried herself with grace. Her heart was devoted to working with families and children in the community. She worked at Fisher River School and was one session away from obtaining her Bachelor of Education. She later worked for Intertribal Child & Family Services for 15 years, and her final retirement was from the Fisher River Healing Centre.
The greatest loss of her life was the passing of Dad, whom she missed dearly. She remained faithful and loyal—a truly virtuous woman. Her heart was broken again with the unexpected loss of her granddaughter Jenn, for whom she held a very special love. Mom accompanied Jenn and family to Toronto for heart surgery when she was a baby.
A woman of strong faith, Phyllis was an active member and Elder at the Fisher River House of Prayer. She lived by Christian values and faithfully carried on her husband's legacy following his passing. Known as the matriarch of the Murdock family, her home was always open, her table always full, and her guidance freely given.
Mom's kitchen was the heart of her home—no one ever left hungry. She shared many recipes with her family and made every visit special with her gentle ways. Every holiday and special occasion was lovingly recognized.
In her final years, Mom resided at Ochekwi Sipi Personal Care Home. Though this was a significant change for the family, Mom made it her home. We felt peace and safety in her room. She enjoyed daily activities, outings, and especially bath days. We are forever grateful to the staff for the compassionate care they gave our mom.
Thank you to Ochekwi Sipi Personal Care Home, Percy E. Moore Hospital, Fisher River Chief and Council, Intertribal Child & Family Services, EMS, Fisher River Homemaking Program, her siblings, nieces, and nephews for their support and encouragement. A special thank you to niece Carol Asham. A special thank you to each and everyone of mom's children, who ensured all of mom's needs were met; whether it was to going to the new store, to taking her to get her hair done, taking her a can of soup, splitting wood for her, or just sitting with her. Mom loved yas all.
Mom's message to her family was:
“Don't worry about tomorrow—let tomorrow take care of itself.”
Wake Service: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. Fisher River House of Prayer
Funeral Service: Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Fisher River Community Hall
Officiant: Pastor Glen Cochrane
Interment: Fisher River Community Cemetery
Cross Bearers: Her Grandsons
Active Pallbearers:
Sons Conrad, Lil Joe, Bryden, Gary, and Dwayne
Sons-in-law Larry Sinclair and Vaughan Woodhouse
Honourary Pallbearers:
Donna Clarke, Florence Sanderson, Jan Murdock, Sally Bouchie, Kacie Sinclair, and Mom's sisters and brothers
A Heart Of Gold
A heart of gold stopped beating,
Hardworking hands went to rest,
God took you home to prove to us,
He only takes the best.
We will always remember the way you looked,
The way you walked and smiled,
All the things you did for us,
Will be with us all the while.
You lived your life for those you loved,
Your children taught and grown,
He called to you to come and dwell,
Where no more work is done.
