Surrounded by loved ones, Phyllis Arlene Abrahamson (née Maltzahn) passed peacefully in Tacoma, Washington, on July 13, 2025, at the age of 94. With deep gratitude for a life well-lived, her family celebrates the legacy she leaves behind.

Born on June 11, 1931, in Tacoma, Washington, Phyllis graduated as ninth-grade valedictorian at Concordia Lutheran School and Top Senior at Lincoln High School (Class of 1949). During her early years, she helped her grandmother at the local confectionery shop, assisted her uncle at his newspaper stand, and picked raspberries with her siblings to sell, embracing hard work and family ties. She earned her Bachelor of Education from Pacific Lutheran University in 1953. At PLU, she delighted in singing with the Choir of the West, performing throughout Oregon, California, and Washington.

In 1956, Phyllis married Richard Abrahamson. Though they later divorced, together they raised four children—Linda, Marla, Cory, and Sandra—who would become the center of her world. Her greatest joy came from watching them grow and later from the laughter of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She babysat her youngest grandchildren several times a week—even into her eighties—and made a point of attending soccer games, graduations, and family celebrations to connect with each grandchild and great-grandchild.

She paused her teaching career to focus on her young family, pouring herself into their daily lives. She sewed their clothes, welcomed neighborhood kids, and always had a homemade dessert ready—cherry pie, apple pie, angel food cake, or cookies with ice cream—offered with love. Her devotion was evident in the rhythms she created: watching The Ed Sullivan Show with a big bowl of buttered popcorn, preparing everything needed for the family's annual fishing trips to the Trinity Lakes, and ensuring Sunday mornings were spent at church. Her faith and kindness threaded through family life.

Both before and after raising her children, Phyllis shared her gifts as an educator. After college, she taught from 1953 to 1958 at Park Avenue Elementary. She substituted from 1975 to 1977, then began a permanent teaching post and retired in 1996. She considered her students her garden: each child a flower blooming with possibility. From substitute teaching to third- and fifth-grade classrooms at Bryant (1979-1983) and Edison Elementary (1984-1996), she was known for her devotion to her students.

Affectionately called "Mrs. A" and "The Marble Lady," Phyllis created a cherished classroom tradition: each time a student demonstrated kindness, effort, or growth, she would drop a marble into a communal jar. When the jar was full, the class celebrated with a party or special activity—not simply as a reward, but as a way to build a culture of encouragement that her students carried with them long after leaving her classroom.

Phyllis lived a full and spirited life, embracing mystery novels, unsolved-crime shows, bird watching, and watching baseball, often with a mug of coffee nearby. She rarely missed a day of crossword puzzles and delighted in the challenge of each clue. She loved tutoring and served as a Sunday School helper, and she regularly hosted Bible studies in her home. Driven by her strong faith in God and her love for others, she spent many years involved with prayer ministry, hosting prayer meetings in her home, and giving of her time to pray for others.

She was known for her homemade applesauce—made from the trees in her yard—and for her baking, as well as for the dogs she shared her home and her heart with. A proud left-hander, she kept her pen in her left hand even when others tried to change it. She played piano, golfed, and was active in both a bowling league and a local softball team. She was famously sharp—always top of her class and unbeatable in family board games. Phyllis's faith was a steady presence in her life; she frequently reminded others of the Golden Rule, a guiding phrase she valued throughout her life. She would often quip, "That's the way the cookie crumbles," reflecting her calm acceptance of life's twists and turns.

She is survived by three children, Marla Schaefer (Scott), Cory Abrahamson (Jill McMullen), and Sandra Abrahamson—who cared for her during her final decade; her grandchildren Arienn Tvo (Ruben Macias), Scarlettah Schaefer (Ryan Stollar), Martinah Brown (Dan), Jessinah Simas (James), Donald Schaefer, Corrinah Yenor (Travis), Evan Abrahamson, and Eric Abrahamson; and her great-grandchildren Tarynn Abrahamson-Tvo, Theo Simas, Bennett Brown, Miles Yenor, and Adalee Brown; as well as her brother, the Rev. Dr. Robert F. Maltzahn, and his children and grandchildren; and her sister Rosemary's son and grandchildren.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Maude (née Stevenson) and Frederick Maltzahn; her sister, Rosemary Olson (née Maltzahn); her former husband, Richard Abrahamson; and her daughter, Linda Tvo (née Abrahamson).

A funeral will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 11:30 AM at the New Tacoma Cemetery chapel, 9221 Chambers Creek Rd. W., University Place, WA 98467, followed by a graveside service. All who knew her are warmly invited to celebrate her kindness, wisdom, and faith.

To honor Phyllis's memory, floral tributes and written condolences may be delivered to New Tacoma Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to causes dear to her: family, faith, education, and nature. Suggested recipients:

Local food banks and shelters—offering families and individuals nourishment, stability, and dignity

Local churches—reflecting her enduring faith

Foundation for Tacoma Students (Graduate Tacoma)—promoting educational equity from early learning to career

Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County – honoring her canine companions

National Audubon Society – celebrating the peace and joy she found in birds and the natural world

The family appreciates any gift in her memory that extends her grace, generosity, and devotion.

Her family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace in the arms of her Savior, reunited with her daughter Linda and those she longed to see again.

For those who wish to revisit the memories shared during her service, a slideshow of photos and videos celebrating Phyllis's life is available to view here: https://youtu.be/WFDYpe5k5jU.

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