Obituary of Phyllis Joan Hebert

Phyllis Joan Hines was born on November 6, 1928, in Alma, Michigan.  She was one of two daughters born to the union of Frank Hines and Lydia (Miller) Hines.  She attended Alma High School and then Alma College where she met her future husband Paul Brown Hebert.  The couple got married on June 19, 1948.

Phyllis completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan Dearborn.  Her experience there led her to being a lifelong Wolverine sports fan.  Since Special Education was in its infancy, she became a trailblazer when she later earned her master’s degree from Madonna University.  For many years, she was employed as a Special Education Teacher for Redford Union Schools.                             

A member of the First Presbyterian Church in Northville, Phyllis loved music and often participated in the church choir.  Although later in life she displayed her moxie by attending the Methodist church, because the parking was better. 

Phyllis loved to travel, and she also loved genealogy.  Before technology placed information at our fingertips, she traveled all over the world in search of the most intricate family details.  She had a special place in her heart for Northern Michigan as well, spending many nights at the family cottage built by her father near Grayling.

In October of 2013, Phyllis and Paul moved to Creekside in Monroe. Here she continued her love of gardening, tending to a beautiful little oasis behind her home.  Phyllis was a member of the PEO, Philanthropic Educational Organization.

An excellent bridge player, Phyllis, was very competitive.  She participated in spirited matches at the Monroe Center for Healthy Aging and the Frenchtown Senior Center.  She was quite successful in her endeavors, often getting her name in the local paper with various partners because they were the winners. 

An avid reader, she enjoyed many different subjects, from Michigan mysteries to Robert Frost poetry, an author she studied in college.  She also spent time quilting.  This labor of love allowed her to tap into her artistic side with her specific and deliberate patterns and provided her with the opportunity to gift many creations to her loved ones, items cherished by her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Phyllis Joan Hebert, age 95 of Monroe Passed away at Brookdale Assisted Living on Sunday; October 20, 2024.  She had been under the care of Beacon Hospice.  The family is extremely grateful for the wonderful caregivers at Brookdale and Beacon Hospice for the exceptional care Phyllis received.  Her passing was preceded by her parents; her husband: Paul in February of 2014; a sister: Opal Griffin; and a sister-in-law: Ernestine Hebert-Crawford

To cherish her memory, she leaves two children: Carol (Donald) Spencer of Monroe and Paul Brown (Terry) Hebert Jr. of Owosso, Michigan; four grandchildren: Richard Allen (Kathryn) Spencer II and Kacie (Michael) Fender, Paul Brown (Carrie) Hebert III and Jerry James Hebert; two step grandchildren: Christina Altenberg and Christopher Toney (Cecilia), two great grandchildren: Lucas Donald Spencer and Elizabeth Rose Spencer; four step great grandchildren: Ryan Masak (Alana), Lilly Masak, Bentley Altenberg, and Mason Toney; and one step great-great granddaughter: Angel Masak.

A Celebration of Her Life was held on Saturday; October 26, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.  Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.  Private inurnment will take place at Michigan Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice or the Alma College George Hebert and Bess Brown Distinguished Alumni Award. Checks should be sent to Alma College Advancement Office; 614 West Superior, Alma, Michigan 48801.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.