Phyllis Monsaas

Phyllis Marie Spooner (Cuillierrier) Monsaas, 88, of Duluth, died peaceful at the Solvay Hospice House on Tuesday November 11, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. Phyllis was born May 10, 1926 in Duluth MN to Leo and Lillian (Abrahamson) Spooner (Cuillierrier), the second of five children. She graduated from Duluth Cathedral High School in 1944. She married Rudolph Monsaas on August 31, 1946 and had almost 61 years of marriage before his death in 2007. Phyllis and her best friend Hattie Latour were members of the "Y" for over 35 years where they made many long lasting friendships. She was still swimming a half mile at the age of 85. Phyllis was also a voting judge for 35 years and took her civic duty seriously even going out to vote one week before her death. She was an avid reader, scrabble player, and expert at solving crossword puzzles. Phyllis was a wonderful mother to her 12 children and put the needs of her family before herself. The most important thing she taught her children was to treat everyone as you would want to be treated yourself. Love is what she gave us and she and our father will be in our hearts forever.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Lillian Spooner (Cuillierrier), brothers, Robert Cuillierrier, James Spooner, sister Janice Spooner, infant daughter Mary Ellen, and beloved husband Rudolph Monsaas.

Phyllis is survived by her 11 children C. Jean (Bob) Kilgour, Barb Misiewicz, Larry Monsaas, Kath Monsaas, David (Mirna) Monsaas, Tony (Tina) Monsaas, Therese (Gary) Benson, Meg (Kevin) Daly, Mary (Jeff) Boser, Dan (Cindy) Monsaas, Jan (Steve) Sayovitz. 29 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 1 great/great grandchild, brother Richard (Carol) Spooner, a cousin and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday November 19, 2014 from 5PM to 7PM in Dougherty Funeral Home, visitation will continue on Thursday from 9AM until the 10Am Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary Star of the Sea Church. 323 East 3rd St. Duluth. Inurnment in Sunrise Memorial Park. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home. 600 E. 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55805. 218-727-3555.