Phyllis (Furzliya) McCallum (nee Salloum) of Saltcoats, SK was born on August 15, 1931, in Ponteix, SK. She was the youngest daughter of George and Shamse (nee Kouri) Salloum. She received her education in the Gouverneur district and Neville, SK. During her high school years in Neville, Phyllis worked as a telephone operator and in her parent's restaurant. After high school, she worked various jobs in Ontario and British Columbia, before returning to Swift Current where she worked at Sears as a Credit Manageress. In 1958 Phyllis became reacquainted with Jim and they were married a year later on September 12, 1959. Two years later they moved to the Saltcoats area with their infant son, Stacy, and began farming. Two more sons came along in the 1960's and the family continued to farm livestock and grain into the 1980's, while at the same time operating their A.I. business. They moved into Saltcoats in 1984 continuing farming until selling the land in 2013 and continuing with the business until present. During Phyllis' 23 years on the farm she helped grow award winning gardens including little known vegetables from her Arabic heritage. Milk maid, bookkeeper, combine operator, truck driver, butcher and head chef were just some of her titles. Her volunteer involvements over the years were numerous, some lasting for decades. Significant involvements included the United Church, Saltcoats Agricultural Society, "Ticketmaster" for countless community events, Laketown Leaders, YFBTA, Saltcoats Historical Society and many more. A top-notch, self-taught chef, Phyllis' famed Arabic dinner parties were known throughout the area. Perhaps her greatest achievement was her outpouring of love to her children and grandchildren. She took much pride in their growth and accomplishments, developing texting and social networking skills to maintain contact with them. Phyllis was predeceased by: Parents: George and Shamse Salloum; Brothers: Eddie Salloum, Fred Salloum, Albert Salloum; Sisters-in-law: Florence Salloum, Freda Salloum, Anne Salloum; Brother-in-law: Bob Abrams; Mother and Father-in-law: Anna and Peter McCallum; two siblings and one grandchild in infancy. Those left to cherish fond memories are: Her Loving Husband of 55 years:Â James McCallum; Sons: Stacy (Lori) McCallum of Yorkton, SK and their three sons: Chad (Shannon) McCallum (and twin daughters), Brandon and Garett; Trent (Heidi) McCallum of Weyburn, SK and their children, Kendra, Mitchell and Marissa; Grant (Kim Daigneault) McCallum of Saltcoats, SK and their children, Austin, Jace, and Kalliegh. Brother: Habeeb Salloum; Sisters: Rose Carleton, Mary (Jack) McWhirter, Helen (Al) Salloum; Brothers-in-law: Andy (Lorraine) McCallum, Alex Carleton; Sisters-in-law: Myrtle (Reg) Odegard, Edith Abrams, Katherine (Kerry) Rayner, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A Service to Celebrate Phyllis' life was held on Friday, April 17, 2015 from the Saltcoats Community Hall with Reverend Walter Farquharson officiating. The organist, Ruth Datema and members of the Saltcoats United Church Choir (and Friends) led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Part of the Family", "Would You Bless our Homes and Families", "We Shall Go Out With Hope of Resurrection" and "Go Now In Peace". Members of Phyllis' family shared words of tribute and eulogy in her memory. Friends from the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, shared ministry in music. The Choir Selection was "Jesus, You Have Come to the Lakeshore". The Cremation Committal followed in the Saltcoats Town Cemetery with Phyllis' oldest son, Stacy McCallum serving as the urn bearer and all of Sittee's beloved Grandchildren were the honourary pall bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
