Mrs. Phyllis D. (Baars) Donaldson

Mrs. Phyllis D. Donaldson, 89, Galesburg, Illinois passed away at 11:35 am Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at her home.

Phyllis was born September 11, 1929 in Joliet, Illinois the daughter of Walter and Emma (Sabol) Baars.  She married Jim B. Donaldson on September 19, 1948 at First Lutheran Church by the Rev. Leman Olsenius.  Jim preceded her in death after 58 years of marriage on August 26, 2007.

Phyllis is survived by her sister, Mary L. Lawson of Galesburg, whose generosity and support were unequaled. She is also survived by a neighbor, Charles Beadles, who provided maintenance to her home for many years allowing her to remain there. Another neighbor, Charles Ryner provided generously with his time and companionship. 

Phyllis had worked for five years, during junior high and high school for Schwarz Brothers Manufacturing and later at Galesburg Builders Supply/Gunther Construction Company serving for twenty years as a concrete dispatcher and four years as an administrative assistant. She loved music. She played the piano and first sang with the choir of First Lutheran Church. She also sang all of her high school years with the acapella choir at Galesburg High School where she graduated in 1947.  Phyllis then attended one year at the University of Illinois, Galesburg branch. She and her husband sang with the Galesburg Community Chorus for many years and was a charter member of the Sweet Adelines. Phyllis was deeply concerned by the abuse and welfare of animals.

A joint memorial service for sisters, Phyllis Donaldson, who died August 27, 2019, and Mary Lawson, who died February 5, 2021, will be 11 a.m. Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel.  Private burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens.  Memorials may be made to the Guardian Angels Humane Society of Galesburg.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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