Obituary of Phyllis R Evans

Phyllis Ryan Evans age 98 of Burnsville died peacefully on 3/27/25 in St. Louis Park, MN. She was born in Chicago, IL in 1926 to Phillip and Laura Ryan. She and her family moved to Minneapolis to find work during the Great Depression. Phyllis attended Catholic schools (Incarnation, St Margaret's Academy, College of St. Catherine) from 1st grade through college graduation. Her Catholic faith influenced her career choices including work as a social worker at Catholic Charities in Minneapolis, Roosevelt Hospital in New York City, and Hennepin County, Minnesota before returning to school at the University of Minnesota to become a kindergarten teacher in Richfield and South St. Paul, MN. When working at Hennepin County, she met Morrie. They were married in 1963 and in 1964 moved to Burnsville, MN. John and Greg were born within two and a half years of the marriage, and she became a stay-at-home mom who was active in the community. Phyllis served two consecutive 3 year terms on the district 191 school board, and was an active member at Mary, Mother of the Church for over 50 years, serving in various roles including the parish council, finance committee, and multiple ministries. In 1974, she and Morrie purchased a cabin on the Whitefish lake chain where she spent her summers until her late 80's. "The Cabin" was one of her favorite places. Phyllis was an avid golfer, bridge player, walker, traveler, and reader. She enjoyed attending book club, the Hennepin County Library Pen Pals program, and the Guthrie Theater. She highly valued people and placed the good of others and relationships with family and friends above material possessions. She was a loving wife and a great mother who will be greatly missed. Phyllis was proceeded in death by her parents, husband Morrie, sister Barbara, and her brother Bob and his wife Jean. She is survived by her sons John (Frank) and Greg (Margaret), niece Mary (Jeff), nephews Dan (Pam), Michael (Astrid), Joe (Kathy), Sean and their children. Memorials may be sent to Sisters of St. Joseph of Corondelet at 1884 Randolph Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105 (https://csjstpaul.org/) or organization of choice.  Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, on Wednesday, 4/23/25 at Mary, Mother of the Church, Burnsville, MN.