Phyllis Anne Fowler

Phyllis Anne Fowler, nee Berning, of La Mesa, California, died on January 14th, 2022 at the age of 88. Known as Phyllis, she was born on July 23rd, 1933 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. Relatives, and those who knew her from her youth, called her Phyllis Anne. Phyllis graduated South Side High in 1951, then on to Indiana University, IU. In 1954, Phyllis married William Edwin Fowler, finished her semester, and joined him in Washington D.C., due to his military service. Phyllis returned to IU, completing her bachelor’s degree in Education in 1956. After William completed his degree from IU in 1959, they moved to San Diego. They drove with three kids in tow – all under 5 - and one on the way. After William settled into a career with the County of San Diego, and the birth of her fifth, and last child, Phyllis returned to her teaching career in earnest. Most of her teaching career involved the Lemon Grove Elementary School District, spanning 24 years. First hired as a Reading Specialist in 1969, she soon switched from Resource Teacher to classroom teacher, retiring in 1993. Most of her career, she worked hard at being the quintessential 3rd grade teacher. Phyllis is survived by four of her five children: Elizabeth Anne Taylor, John Scot Fowler, Teresa Sue Collins and Jeffry Eric Fowler. Phyllis is predeceased by her eldest son Glen Edwin Fowler, 2008, and her husband William Edwin Fowler, 2013. Phyllis is also survived by five grandchildren: Sarah, Amy, Daniel and Matthew Taylor, and William Collins. Phyllis is also survived by her pet Maltapoo, Rosie Fowler. Phyllis loved to travel, from the Sunday drive to globetrotting, but especially on long road-trips with the family in the RV. One of those trips lasted seven weeks going from San Diego to Nova Scotia, Canada and back. Phyllis has seen all fifty states, Mexico, Canada, most Europe, New Zealand, cruised the Panama Canal, and took a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which included Egypt. Ever the “Hoosier,” Phyllis loved to play cards and many other games with family and friends, when gathered. Phyllis enjoyed a wide variety of interests and activities throughout her life: a women’s bridge club when she first came to San Diego, to avid garage sale, thrift store, and antique hunter, in later years, serious quilting, and a walking club with her girlfriends. Phyllis had a selfless nature, encompassing all aspects of her life, which made her integral to the blessings, happiness and joy experienced by all who knew here. Phyllis loved Christmas, came from a baking tradition, and would make ample treats for the holidays, known to last through January, Phyllis enjoy the holiday season, always having extended family in our home for Thanksgiving and Boxing Day, December 26th. Phyllis had a quirky sense of humor, and could find the humor and humanity in most situations, often using this gift interacting with her own children. Phyllis was a life-long, dedicated Christian, and spent much of her time, treasure and talents in the service of her church, St. Luke’s Lutheran of La Mesa. In retirement, she founded and chaired the Fellowship Committee. Originally to plan and hold the church’s 50th anniversary, afterward to raise church gatherings to new heights of ministry. Phyllis left an abundant legacy of cherished memories for all who knew her. Due to current pandemic concerns, a Witness Placement service with the immediate family will be held, showing Phyllis joining her husband, William, at their place of rest.