ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Phyllis McLean, 81, born on May 25, 1930 and passed away on April 9, 2012. We will remember her forever.

Please feel free to contribute a story, photograph or memory of Phyllis. Many of us are scattered from coast to coast. It is hoped that this site will bring us closer together. 

A Memorial Service was held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday 15 August 2012 at St. James Episcopal Church, 355 West Maple Road, Birmingham, Michigan 48009. The eulogy is on the "Her Life" tab of this website. Her ashes are interred in the Church's columbarium.

The columbarium is located in an internal courtyard at St. James, just inside the Maple Street entrance. Upon entering the columbarium, look to the first section on the ground, directly in front of the door. There, you will find Phyllis and her husband, Tom, resting beside each other.

Tributes

Leave a tribute
Linda Downs
May 16, 2014
May 16, 2014
I remember Phyllis as one of the most knowledgeable docents at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Perpetually lively, attentive, quick-witted and sure-footed at touring and engaging students and adults alike in that great collection. She had a wry sense of humor and often turned it on herself. I always felt that we shared a certain karma and I found it most enjoyable to spend time with her beyond the docent seminars. I enjoyed hearing about her botanical work at Cranbrook and only later realized what a force she was at that project as well as the DIA. She lives on in my best memories of my work at the DIA.
Robin Fleck
August 8, 2012
August 8, 2012
This is a lovely tribute, reflecting a life well lived. My condolences to to Laura, Cathy and other family members.
Sandy Gale
August 6, 2012
August 6, 2012
What a wonderful tribute! My deepest condolences. I am so glad I was able to get acquainted with Phyllis before she left Michigan for her last years in California. I was able to give her a big hug the last time I saw her. I'm glad I have known Laura and Cathy all these years -- two wonderful daughters. Your Mom -- one classy dame!
Gigi Koury
July 5, 2012
July 5, 2012
Love the photos...especially the one with your mom and Sylvana on the cable car in San Francisco. And the one of you and your mom, linked by a rainbow, overlooking Niagara Falls. What a magnificent life she had...and to have left such a legacy, her children, grandchildren and garden. Love and prayers to you and your family. G2
Catherine McLean
June 13, 2012
June 13, 2012
From Chandra King, ‘I remember when Phyllis, Catherine and Sylvana visited me at the Cape. I will always remember the group of you walking along the beach. And another is when we went to visit Phyllis and sat under the apple tree having ice cream.’
Catherine McLean
June 13, 2012
June 13, 2012
From Rita Lindstrom, ‘We still find ourselves at Cranbrook saying, ‘What would Phyllis do?’ My most prominent memory was that she felt nothing was beyond the Auxiliary’s capabilities; she led us into creating beautiful exhibits at the DIA, Cobo Hall, Ann Arbor, etc. Phyllis always made what was really hard grunt work into fun and the results showed what an artist she was. We do miss her.'
Catherine McLean
June 13, 2012
June 13, 2012
From Dorothy Farmer, ‘Thank you for your thoughtful note on your mom’s passing. I was Garden Chairman, a huge job, as you know, at Cranbrook. Your mom was a tireless dynamo. Aloha to your family.’
Catherine McLean
June 13, 2012
June 13, 2012
From Anne Schwartz, Phyllis’ niece, ‘We were so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. I still have fond memories of our time together. She really helped me with the flowers for my wedding and I will always appreciate it.’
Catherine McLean
June 13, 2012
June 13, 2012
From Irma Stevens, ‘I’m so sorry to hear of Phyllis’ passing. She was so talented and loved by her docent friends and being one I offer you my prayers. I also chaired the Docent Committee in 1980 and 81, and I looked up to her.’
Catherine McLean
June 13, 2012
June 13, 2012
From Karen Jallos, ‘I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother. Was anyone’s life fuller? I think not. She was beautiful impressive fun.’
Catherine McLean
June 13, 2012
June 13, 2012
From Gretchen Ellis, Phyllis’ niece, ‘Thank you for the note about your mother. We were so sad to hear of her passing away. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.’
Catherine McLean
June 13, 2012
June 13, 2012
From Gary Fleming, ‘Your mother influenced me in many ways. The ones that stand out are her work as a docent at the DIA and I will dedicate my tour on May 11th to her. She also was a great advocate of plant rescue and conservation. That is why I never mow my beach up north and I will think of her every summer as I look at my wildflower meadow.’
Catherine McLean
June 13, 2012
June 13, 2012
From Ruth Lefkowitz, ‘How sad, we lost Phyllis and [my husband] Julian, too sad. Julian passed away April 23rd. Phyllis, one of our favorite friends.’
Catherine McLean
June 13, 2012
June 13, 2012
From Julie Work, ‘I loved reading what you wrote about your mom! Some things I knew about Phyllis, and some I did not….she was an extraordinary woman!’
Catherine McLean
June 13, 2012
June 13, 2012
From Sue Johnston, ’The lilacs are beautiful this year. Spring arrived in March and the flowering trees and shrubs continue to be in bloom. Your mother and I worked very closely together at Cranbrook Gardens. I am sorry to hear of her passing. I learned much from her.’
Alison Donahue
May 13, 2012
May 13, 2012
I remember going through the beautiful gardens Aunt Phyl had in her backyard. She always pointed out new arrivals that she had gotten from the plant store or from trading with a neighbor. She had some very “choice” plants in there and always insisted in calling each by its botanical name. I looked forward to seeing the garden in the spring, and watching it develop through the season.
Katy Irwin
May 10, 2012
May 10, 2012
I know that Phyllis is now dancing peacefully among the clouds above (and noting how they resemble the cloud paintings in the DIA) and asking if there is a plot to garden! I will fondly remember her big smile, warm laugh, good cheer, and gourmet Christmas cookies. But most of all, I will recall the decades of fun and kindness she shared with my mother, Martha Irwin.
Catherine McLean
April 29, 2012
April 29, 2012
from Maryann at Cranbrook House & Gardens Auxiliary via voice mail, 16 April 2012, ‘I’m so sorry to learn of Phyllis’ passing. She was a delight. I worked with Phyllis for over 25 years. I’m just so sad. She was a stable in this auxiliary and just full of information. She was a docent, a gardener and President of the Garden Section for many years... She was a saint and she will be missed.'
Catherine McLean
April 28, 2012
April 28, 2012
From Patty Taylor, 'We met all those years ago at St. James and then became the Frick and Frack of Cranbrook. She as Gardens Chairman - I as her assistant. And then there was the special group - Jerry & Patty Shea, Tom & Dory Izant, Tom & Phyllis and David & Patty Taylor. We had a lot of fun besides gardening!'
Catherine McLean
April 28, 2012
April 28, 2012
From Martha Irwin, 'Phyllis gone! Regardless of time or circumstance - it is a terrible loss....We met at the DIA and she became one of my dearest, closest friends for many years. Words cannot express how much we shared and how I miss her.'
Catherine McLean
April 28, 2012
April 28, 2012
From Anne Louise (Heine) McGonigel, 'I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to meet her and you and Sylvana during your travels around the US. It was a pleasure to visit with you all and become acquainted - I think often of that time with fondness.'
Catherine McLean
April 28, 2012
April 28, 2012
From Ginny Fox, '...She was a very talented person. I shall always think of her as brimming over with ideas, suggestions (mostly 'right on') and humor. Reading about her efforts to give to Cranbrook and the wider community (many activities I knew nothing about) only increases my admiration for her as a person and friend. i think she will always be remembered as a part of Cranbrook.'
Catherine McLean
April 28, 2012
April 28, 2012
From Barbara Hall, 'My memories of Phyllis will always be of younger years in her prime as a friend at Cranbrook Gardens. She was tireless in always promoting her next great idea for Cranbrook. I still can picture her digging in her 'holding garden' - a labor of love.'
Catherine McLean
April 28, 2012
April 28, 2012
From Sue Sutton, '[Your mother] was such (we used to say) 'a cutie' when I knew her 'back in the day' - both of us 'into' the education of our kids - cooking, gardening, supporting the music and arts in which we believed.'
Catherine McLean
April 28, 2012
April 28, 2012
From Wendy Evans, 'Your mother was a good friend, wonderful gardener and docent. I learned a lot from her and she will always have a very special place in my heart. '
Catherine McLean
April 28, 2012
April 28, 2012
From the DIA Volunteer Council, 'Phyllis played such a vital role as a docent for many, many years. ...She was a gift to the DIA and the entire community.'
Catherine McLean
April 28, 2012
April 28, 2012
From Patty Shea, 'Part of my heart is missing. With the loss of Phyllis, I have lost a truly great friend, mentor, teacher, trouble-maker, wildflower rescuer and gardener. What fun we had creating together in so many events at the DIA, Ann Arbor and Cranbrook – and usually breaking all the rules....I was proud to have known her and she was such an important part of my life.'
Catherine McLean
April 28, 2012
April 28, 2012
Mom was an amazing mother! She raised two independent, creative, educated and successful daughters. What surprised me most was how much she did not talk about herself. While growing up, I never knew how well she'd done in school or that she dated a basketball player, was in the Queen's court at the H.S. senior prom, president of her WSU sorority....not even where she went on her honeymoon!
Catherine McLean
April 16, 2012
April 16, 2012
Peter and the Wolf filled the house when Phyllis' children were young [Sylvana put this bit together minus the narration]. O Fortuna from Carmina Burana? She sang it with the Oakland University Chorus. Or you might hear Moonlight Sonata because there is an old phonograph recording of Mom at age 17, 'This is Phyllis Heine and I will now play Moonlight Sonata on the piano.'[need to digitize]

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Recent Tributes
Linda Downs
May 16, 2014
May 16, 2014
I remember Phyllis as one of the most knowledgeable docents at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Perpetually lively, attentive, quick-witted and sure-footed at touring and engaging students and adults alike in that great collection. She had a wry sense of humor and often turned it on herself. I always felt that we shared a certain karma and I found it most enjoyable to spend time with her beyond the docent seminars. I enjoyed hearing about her botanical work at Cranbrook and only later realized what a force she was at that project as well as the DIA. She lives on in my best memories of my work at the DIA.
Robin Fleck
August 8, 2012
August 8, 2012
This is a lovely tribute, reflecting a life well lived. My condolences to to Laura, Cathy and other family members.
Sandy Gale
August 6, 2012
August 6, 2012
What a wonderful tribute! My deepest condolences. I am so glad I was able to get acquainted with Phyllis before she left Michigan for her last years in California. I was able to give her a big hug the last time I saw her. I'm glad I have known Laura and Cathy all these years -- two wonderful daughters. Your Mom -- one classy dame!
View all 29 tributes
Gallery
Phyllis' cookies in nintey three C cropped
Phyllis' cookies in nintey three
Phyllis' cookies in nintey three B cropped
1938-09_CannondaleCT_after_hurricane_Maude_Phyllis_George
1937_ca_to 1939-12_CannondaleCT_millhouse_hurricane_kids_snow012_crop2
1986_Aunt_Phyl_bunny_baby_shower_gift2niece_Viki
1935-05-01_HartsdaleNY_neighbor's_bdy_Phyllis+Maude_behind_cake
2004-06_McLean_reunion_Farmington_HillsMI_crop
1950_WSU_J-hop_souvenir11
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Recent stories

Phyllis' Christmas Cookies

January 5, 2013
by Catherine McLean

For as long as I can remember, Mom baked cookies at Christmas to share with family and friends. I just came across these photos that mom took back in 1993. Cookies filled the dining room, and half of the living room and the den! The trillium flower became her trademark and she developed a cookie with a trillium frosting design. You can see those at the far left of the original photo. If you were a lucky recipient, you will remember that there were more than a dozen different types of cookies in every package.

Hurricane of 1938

August 5, 2012
by Catherine McLean

Mom and her family were living in a millhouse over the Norwalk River in Cannondale, Connecticut, when the hurricane of 1938 hit that September. It was a memorable event: a terrifying night, a flooded basement, and debris flowing down river. We have family photos of the river at its wildest and this photo in it's aftermath. A family favorite, it is displayed in many of our homes today. Thanks go to Darin Donahue for improving the image quality. 

Here's a newsreel, not great quality, but in-depth with sound, 10 minutes, made soon after the disaster hit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf57wDLWZUE .

Summertime

August 5, 2012
by Catherine McLean

The later 1930s were an idyllic time filled with many happy memories for Phyllis and her siblings, Maude and George, Jr. Around 1936 (the 1940 census said they were in CT in 1935), they moved from White Plains NY to Cannondale CT where the family rented a converted mill house from a neighbor, Mr. Gregory; it is still standing today. Here, Maude, George and Phyllis, with her long brown braids, sit on the porch that overlooks the river. On this lazy summer day, I’d like to be sitting right there with them!

View all 39 stories

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