Obituary of Phyllis Ellen Paul

Phyllis Ellen Paul passed away on February 27, 2022, two days after her 89^th birthday. Phyllis was born February 25, 1933 to Rosie and Edward Furhop in South Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She graduated from Garneau High in Edmonton in 1951. Phyllis met Eldor A. Paul waiting for the school bus. They were very involved in the young peoples group at Eldor’s church, where Phyllis played the piano for the choirs and orchestra. Before Phyllis and Eldor got married in 1955, Phyllis taught piano and worked in a music store. Customers would come up to her with a piece of sheet music, and she would play it for them so they would know how it sounded. Phyllis was a very accomplished musician. She received an associateship in piano from the University of Toronto in 1956. When her kids were older, Phyllis went back to school to get her Bachelor of Arts degree in music in 1977. She majored in composition and minored in voice and performance, with the pipe organ as her chosen instrument. Phyllis sang twice at Carnegie Hall with the Michigan State University Choral society. She lived in Edmonton, Alberta; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Berkeley, California; Lansing, Michigan; and Loveland, Colorado.

Phyllis loved to quilt and blessed her family and friends with many beautiful quilts over the years. She was an avid gardener. Phyllis also enjoyed reading, cooking, spending time with her family, and taking international trips with Eldor. Phyllis hosted many dinners for Eldor’s graduate students, post docs and visiting professors. Phyllis was a kind, loving person who always saw the best in others and was loved by all who knew her.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Irene Kleine and Audrey Burton, and son Keith Paul. Phyllis is survived by husband Eldor Paul; daughters Linda Paul and Lynne Fossey; grandsons Kevin Fossey and Trevor Fossey (with wife Kelsey).

In keeping with Phyllis’s wishes, no formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The American Cancer Society.