Obituary of Mrs. Phyllis Delora Ricketts

PHYLLIS DELORA RICKETTS (née Arscott), affectionately known as Mother Ricketts, passed away peacefully into eternity on Monday, July 19, 2021, at Michael Garron Hospital at the age of 98. She was born in Clarendon, Jamaica. On April 25, 1943, Phyllis married the late Bishop Cecil O’Sullivan Ricketts, who predeceased her in 2015, months before his 100th birthday, after 72 years of love and marriage. Together, the Ricketts’ migrated to Canada in 1952.  

Mother Ricketts was a formidable yet graceful woman of poise, elegance and class who lovingly referred to everyone around her as “Dear”. Mother Ricketts modelled the Christian life and inspired hope in countless people. Her words were always calm yet strong enough to inspire hope and confidence in the hearts of the hearers. With joy and optimism, she guided newcomers to Canada, tactfully nurtured youth, and young families; she also mentored women and emerging leaders. Full of love, gentleness, and compassion, she advocated for and engaged in charity work to support marginalized individuals in the community. 

The memory and legacy of Mother Ricketts will live on through her beloved family and the Mount Zion Apostolic Church community. She is survived by her three children – two sons, Lloyd, Ron (Sybil), one daughter Winsome (Monroe) and two adopted daughters – Beverly and Marene; eight grandchildren – Christine (Patrick), Shawn (Ann-Marie), Duane (Theresa), Darwin (Brandi), Michael (Tanya), Candice (Darryl), Michelle, Andrew and five adopted grandchildren as well as fourteen great-grandchildren. 

Resting at Ogden Funeral Homes at 4164 Sheppard Avenue East, Agincourt, ON. Visitation will be on Thursday, July 22 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. As per COVID-19 restrictions, a private Homegoing Service will be held at the Mount Zion Apostolic Church-Toronto (30 Pemican Court, Toronto, ON). Well-wishers are welcomed to attend online at www.mzac.ca/livestream the Memorial Celebration Service on Friday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Saturday, July 24, the Celebration of Life Service will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow at Pine Hills Cemetery (625 Birchmount Road, Scarborough, ON). See more at: www.ogdenfuneralhome.com.