It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister on August 13, 2023, at the age of 88 years.

Phyllis Lillie Locke was born on April 27, 1935, to Herbert and Gertrude Locke of Buchans NL.

Left to mourn are her seven children, Judy, Merrill (Bim), Bonnie, Gail, Robin, Sheila, Chris and their families and her brothers and sisters.

She is predeceased by her loving husband, Merrill, daughter Peggy; son Dan; parents Herbert and Gertrude Locke, siblings, Leonard, Evelyn and Sidney.

As a young woman, Phyllis was setting the seeds of her lifelong commitment to nurture by being a wonderful big sister to her many siblings.

She began her marriage to Merrill Ronald Reid of Buchans in 1955 and they were married for 68 years. They had nine children, 19 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

She was a wonderful wife, mother and pillar of the community. She worked tirelessly for her family and helped to bring comfort to numerous residents of Buchans during their time of need.

During her life, as a mom she was not only a mother to her nine children, she also extended love and kindness to many of their friends in the form of providing them cookies, advice and making sure they stayed on the right path. She loved to organize and participate in community churches and social clubs in the United Church, Salvation Army and the Lodge. She was a woman of strong faith and a leader to her peers.

In 1983, after the mines closed in Buchans, Phyllis and Merrill made their way to Balmertown, Ontario, where Merrill resumed his mining career. Phyllis took this opportunity to embark on a career of her own. After many attempts at convincing the local hotel owner that she was the right person to hire for the head waitress position, she became a fixture at the local hotel. She served many long-time contractors at the restaurant and like her children and their friends, they too became extended members of her family and Merrill enjoyed counting her tips each night.

In 1992, Phyllis and Merrill moved back to their beloved town of Buchans to retire. They quickly purchased a cabin at Sandy and created many wonderful memories with their family. Phyllis and Ruby's Sunday dinners at the cabin were legendary.

The public visitation will take place at the United Church, Buchans, NL on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

The funeral will take place at the United Church, Buchans, NL on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at 2:00pm.

The interment will follow at the Buchans Community Cemetery, Buchans, NL.

As expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Church Memorial Fund, Buchans NL. The interment will follow at the Buchans Community Cemetery, Buchans, NL.

We, the family would like to thank the staff at AM Guy Memorial Health Centre Buchans, NL for their compassion and kindness. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Lois and Ron for their help and kindness over the years.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, 10 Bayley Street Grand Falls-Windsor, NL.