Phyllis A. Zajkowski

Phyllis Ann Zajkowski, age 85, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at her final residence, the Lakes of Monclova in Maumee, Ohio.

She is survived by her two sons, Paul (wife Shelly and grandchildren Madelyn, Nolan, and Morgan) and Chad (wife Amy and grandchildren Alison and Jacob), as well as her daughter, Cara (grandchildren Emma and Brady). She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Richard, who passed away on February 5, 2025, parents (William and Felicia Morgan), and siblings (Stanley, Charles, Henry, Francis, and, Robert).

Born in Bairdford, Pennsylvania, Phyllis attended West Deer High School, California University of Pennsylvania for her undergraduate degree (now part of Pennsylvania Western University), and Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she earned a Master’s degree in Education. She later moved to Michigan to continue her teaching career.

Phyllis taught at Taylor Township School District in Taylor Michigan before starting her family with Richard. She also taught second grade at St. Patrick’s School in White Lake, Michigan, for many years. After retiring from teaching, she worked at both the Waterford Township and Port Sanilac Libraries. She and Richard built a new life together in Port Sanilac, Michigan, along the shores of Lake Huron—a home that witnessed seven grandchildren as they grew up.

She had a remarkable talent for sewing and quilting, spending countless hours crafting beautiful quilts cherished by family and friends. She also loved making clothes for her grandchildren’s dolls, adding a personal and loving touch to their playtime.

Phyllis enjoyed reading, planting flowers, playing rummy, and tuning into nightly PBS shows. She took great pride in hosting family gatherings and preparing delicious meals. She was an amazing cook, best known for her legendary cinnamon rolls, and passed down many traditions of her Polish-American heritage.

A devoted Catholic, Phyllis passed her faith on to the generations of the family she created. As an active member of her church community, she taught Sunday school and found strength, peace, and a sense of tradition in her faith. Her beliefs formed the foundation of the values she lived by and shared with others.

As we remember Phyllis, let us celebrate the kindness, service, and love she shared here on earth, and the eternal love she leaves behind. We find comfort in knowing that Phyllis and Richard are reunited once more, their bond never broken. May we honor her memory by cherishing our families and upholding the values she held dear.

Funeral services for Phyllis and Richard will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (9086 Hutchins Rd.) in White Lake, Michigan, on April 24th at 10 a.m., with Mass to follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery in Waterford Township, Michigan.