Jan. 30, 1931 – Feb.12, 2010

Phyllis J. Stringham of Waukesha, formerly of Grand Rapids, Mich., left her earthly body and woke up in heaven Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, at the age of 79. Phyllis was born on Jan. 30, 1931, the daughter of Harry and Wilhelmina (nee DeYoung) Stringham.

Phyllis dedicated her life to music, on both the piano and organ, honoring God by her dedication with the gifts God had given her. She graduated from South High School in Grand Rapids, went on to Calvin College for her Bachelor of Arts degree and then received her master’s degree from the University of Michigan. Phyllis had the honor of studying music several times in Europe and played recitals around the country, including Washington Cathedral. She taught at Chatham Hall, an Episcopal School in Virginia, and then at Carroll College in Waukesha, where she retired in 2002 after 43 years of joyful teaching. Phyllis has many dear friends in Waukesha and around the country. She loved her students (and was sometimes hard on them) and wanted only the best for each one. She will always be remembered for her kind heart and loving spirit.

Phyllis will be dearly missed by her brother, James A. (Gladys); nephews, James R. (Judy), Timothy (Judy) and Steven (Kay); and many other grand-nephews, grandnieces, other relatives and friends.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Robert; sister-in-law, Ruby; and nephew, James A. II.

Visitation will be held from 2 p.m. until the 7 p.m. celebration of her life Thursday, Feb. 18, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 300 Carroll St., Waukesha, WI 53186. The Rev. Kathy Boadwine and the Rev. Gary Liedtke will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church (see address above) or to the Carroll University Music Department, 100 N. East Ave., Waukesha, WI 53186, are appreciated. Interment will be at Rest Lawn Cemetery in Grand Rapids.

Phyllis’s family would like to thank Karen, Mary and Caring Angels for their gentle care and friendship shown to Phyllis.

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Preplanning Services is serving the family. For further information, please call 542-6609, or for directions, an online obituary or to leave a condolence, please visit waukeshasfuneralhome.com.