Phyllis (Leavenworth) Albee

Phyllis J. Albee (Leavenworth), of Honor, MI, 78. Phyllis J. Albee, joined her beloved husband, Clare Albee in heaven on Saturday, March 29, 2008. Born in New York City, NY on October 3, 1929 the daughter of Benjamin and Kathryn (Lundeen) Leavenworth. She grew up and attended schools in Grand Rapids, MI. Her college years were spent at Western Michigan University where she graduated with a degree in secondary education majoring in English. While teaching in Caledonia, MI she met and married, Clare on February 11, 1955. In 1960, with their young family they moved to Kalamazoo, MI where they both taught at Loy Norrix High School. Her passion for the written and spoken language reflected in her dedication to her many students. One of the many highlights of her 27 years teaching career was in June 1984. Phyllis was honored by President Reagan in the Rose Garden as the mentoring teacher of a Presidential Scholar award winner, Julie Hessler. During her retirement years she continued her love of education by being a charter member of the Kalamazoo Education Foundation and tutoring in her home. Phyllis combined her gift for teaching and serving the Lord as an adult Bible Study teacher. Most recently she was attending Lake Ann Methodist Church, where she enjoyed fellowship with her growth group. As her declining health would not permit her to attend services, she especially enjoyed the musical ministry of Sam and Levi. Phyllis delighted in spending time with her growing family. Family time was spent camping and traveling the United States. Phyllis and Clare moved to Honor, MI in 1989. They enjoyed watching their grandchildren's sporting events and rejoicing in their academic excellence. She was thrilled to be a great grandmother, Gigi, to four little ladies. Surviving are daughters, Delia Albee of Lake Worth, FL, Susan Albee of Honor, MI and Tammy (Tim) Klifman of Alma, MI; grandchildren, Leah and Nich (Elizabeth) Marino, Tyler and Lucas Klifman; great-grandchildren, Anecia and Ayana Bowens, Lacie and Eva Marino; siblings, Ben (Joanna) Leavenworth of Grand Rapids, MI, Evilo Leavenworth of Durham, CA, Priscilla (Don) Brandt of Lynnwood, WA, Eunice (Jim) Ross of Chelsea, MI and Mary Chico of Redding, CA; many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by husband, Clare; parents; brother, Tom Leavenworth and nephews, Timothy and Tommy Leavenworth and Ben Leavenworth III. A celebration of Phyllis' life will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Jowett Family Funeral Home in Benzonia. The family will receive friend one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the Benzie Shores Library in Frankfort, MI. Jowett Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Benzonia where beautiful ceremonies celebrate life is handling the arrangements.