The death occurred peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Monday, October 27th, 2025 of Verna Melissa Phillips (Kitson) of Summerside, PEI, aged 105 years. Verna was born in Hampshire, PEI to her late parents George and Emma (Cruwys) Kitson. Beloved wife of the late Tommy Phillips and loving mother of Larry (Pat) and June (Stephen) Rigden. Also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Andrew, Ryan, Jim (Holli) Rigden, Suzanne Rigden (Christopher Hayart), Tom (Danielle) Rigden great-grandchildren Erica, Kailie, Ashley, Morgan, Charles and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brothers and sisters Norris (Eleanor) Kitson, Calvin Kitson (infancy), Lona (Orville) Turner, Fulton (Shirley) Kitson, Audrey (Jack) MacKenzie and Rev. Fred (Claudia) Kitson.

An excellent student, Verna skipped grades and graduated from Prince of Wales when she was 17. She taught all the grades in a one room in Warren Grove, Spring Park, West Royalty, and Kingston Schools. Verna married airman Tommy Phillips in 1944. After the war, Tommy worked for Maritime Electric, and they lived in Charlottetown, O'Leary, Alberton and Summerside, Verna answered phones, checked the meter books, and helped dispatch linemen from their house on Central eventually working in the office in Sherbrooke. Verna was active in Women's Institute, Y's Menettes, and United Church Women. She enjoyed cards, Legion dances, sibling Sunday dinners, and travelling to visit family in NS and the US. After Tommy died, she kept making the trips via the Shuttle. She moved into Chesapeake Heights where she loved the card games. For Verna's last eight years she lived at Andrews of Summerside where she always relished the meals. The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Andrews for taking such loving care of Verna during her time there.

Resting at the East Prince Funeral Home, 245 Pope Road, Summerside until Thursday, November 6th, 2025, where a funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 2:00 p.m. Visiting hours from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Interment to take place in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Pleasant Valley. Donations in Verna's memory can be made directly to a charity of your choice.