Phyllis Dorathy Chambers' Obituary
Phyllis Dorathy Chambers
Birth Date: October 16, 1919
Death Date: December 17, 2018
Phyllis Dorathy Chambers, long-time Bay Area resident, passed away in El Cerrito, on December 17, 2018, surrounded by her devoted family. She was not only a beloved mother, partner, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend; but also a woman who brought love and compassion to all those she met.
Phyllis was born on October 16, 1919 in St. Cloud Minnesota. She graduated from Cathedral High School in 1938, and was the class salutatorian. She had a life-long passion for learning and earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Relations and Organizational Behavior from the University of San Francisco receiving Honorable Mention in the college of Professional Studies’ Dean’s Award category for academic excellence.
Phyllis built her career in the administration of non-profit organizations at Children’s Home Society, and Family Support Services of the Bay Area in Oakland. She enjoyed a life of service and volunteered for many organizations such as the Navy Relief Society, Girl Scouts of America, and the Catholic Church. She was proud to teach English to Japanese naval officers in Yokosuka, Japan. She was also a volunteer nurse’s aide and a literacy tutor. Post-retirement, Phyllis continued to contribute to her community for many years as a docent at the Oakland Museum and the Bedford Gallery in Walnut Creek. Yet the passion most dear to her was being with her family.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her sister Laverne Recktenwald, son Timothy Ryan, and son-in-law Richard Arnitz, and is survived by her long-time partner David L. Woods, her sister Joan Plombon, her daughters Mia and Leila Chambers, son-in-law Greg Sankovich, daughter-in-law Shirley Ryan, and grand-daughters Meredith Galipeau, Emily Taylor, Phyllis Ryan, and great-grand children. She will also be deeply missed by the loving children, grand-children, and great-grand children in the Woods Family.
Funeral arrangements will be held at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, January 13, 2019 at Chapel of the Chimes.
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