It was under a new moon at 28 Chapel Street, in the subdistrict of Diss, in the County of Norfolk, on February 10, 1929, where Barbara Ellen & William Ernest lovingly welcomed you, Phylis Barbara Hayward, into a world of ‘below-freezing’ temperatures. It was during one of the coldest winters in U.K. history. Little did anyone know their beautiful daughter with a cheeky disposition, would soon warm things up. Yes! Your spunk always had a way of unexpectedly turning something on its head. You were named after your mother’s best friend, yet your Dad’s pet name for you was, ‘Flip’.
It was 8 decades ago, that you grew up as a child in WW2 England, while Gordon Walter George Chilvers had already undergone rigorous preparation training for ‘Operation Tonga.’ On the night of June 5, 1944, British Paratroopers boarded C-47 transport planes. Dad’s very survival in parachuting behind enemy lines on D-Day, would determine your destiny, and the country you would call home. Rightly, the motto of Dad’s Airborne Regiment was, “Ready for Anything.” But then again, Dad hadn’t thus far met you!
This time, it seems there’s no right way to be ready, to say goodbye. After all, you may have lived 97 years but you were the first person we loved, before you became the ‘heart’ of our world. Now, our family marks yet another day and several months, without your steady beat. Your everyday expression of love was practicing generosity, and showing up when it mattered the most. It wasn’t just about money and material gifts. For you, it meant giving of yourself, your time, energy, and undivided attention. It’s how you touched people, in small or big ways. We watched you fully invest in the people you cared about, and get many a good return.
Together, it’s time to pay tribute to shared memory—one that spans 4 generations. Honouring the impact of your legacy, now becomes our call to live with intention & gratitude. How fitting that you left this world on Valentine’s Day. Our own beautiful reminder to celebrate the fullness of your spirit, and the love we carry, in all forms.
Mom, we want you to know that your spirit will carry on with us. Through your son, Kevin, his wife Lynne, their 2 daughters Leigh & Sue, as well as son-in-law, Morgan. Additionally, through your daughter Kerry, alongside her daughter Katherine, her son Kent, as well as best friends who were exceptionally fond of you. Equally, your British relatives—through your brother Bill & his wife Janice, their sons Mark & Christopher, together with their respective families. Through your niece, Lindsay & nephew, Martin, and all our wonderful family of relations in England. At last, through your 5 great-grandchildren—Elizabeth, Mason, Kate, Miles, Ben and your many, exceptionally good friends & neighbours over the years who remember, and continue to share memories of you, as the beloved companion that you are. We’ll ask that you hug Dad tight, and reserve that special seat for us, until we meet again.
On Monday, Oct 5, 2026, in Beechwood National Military Cemetery, our family will gather at graveside, to bring a loving wife, mother, grandma, daughter, sister and friend, Phylis Barbara Chilvers (Hayward), to a resting site beside her dear husband, Gordon W. G. Chilvers. The ceremony will include a vocalist singing Phyl’s favourite Vera Lynn songs from WW2 era, readings & prayers of comfort, guided by Chaplain Paul Millward, and a final few words of love, gratitude and farewell.
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