Nov. 19, 1923 - June 19, 2012
SOUTH BEND - Phyllis A. (Shaw) Pearson, 88, died at 6:43 pm, Tuesday, June 19, 2012 during surgery at Memorial Hospital, South Bend. Phyllis was the fourth of thirteen children born to Gladys (Neilson) and Harold Shaw.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, James, Edwin and George Shaw; and sisters, Elizabeth Detterich, Laura Jane Koustmer, Eleanor Bogue and Sally LuPiba. She was also preceded by her husband, George; granddaughter, Heather McBeth; and great granddaughter, Drew McBeth.

Phyllis's birth family was generous, kind and loving, enriching the lives of all those with whom they had contact. She helped to raise several younger sisters and brothers. On November 14, 1942, Phyllis married her beloved husband, George. Through 58 years of togetherness, they raised a large family and nurtured their children, welcoming chosen spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren, opening their arms to each as they joined the family. When George passed away on February 21, 2001, Phyllis was devastated, but continued her devotion to her growing family. Phyllis was a member of the American Turners Association, Red Hat Society, Daughters of the American Revolution and First Presbyterian Church of South Bend. She enjoyed flowers, volleyball, playing cards and big band music. Phyllis was vibrant, kind, generous, soft spoken, fun, gentle, loving and giving, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Surviving Phyllis are daughters, Bonnie (Kalvin) Waxman of Granger, Priscilla (Bill) McBeth of Ludington, MI, Peggy (Paul) VanLaere of Granger and Gail (James) Kestermeier, also of Granger; sons, Jeffery (Donna) Pearson of Shelby Twp., MI, Richard (Twila) Pearson of South Bend and Gregg (Polly) Pearson of Mishawaka; eighteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren, to whom she was "Grandma Great". She is also survived by five sisters, Nancy (Frank) Kealey of Warsaw, Patricia (Chuck) Wagner of Lakeland, FL and Helene Werner, Marilyn (Harley) Sellers and Barbara Burks, all of South Bend; and one sister-in-law, Betty Shaw, also of South Bend.

Memorial services for Phyllis will be 11:00 am Friday, June 29, 2012 in First Presbyterian Church, 333 W. Colfax, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 - 11:00 am in the church prior to services on Friday. Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Contributions in memory of Phyllis

08/14/2022 EJS