Phyllis Ida Coppess

Phyllis Ida Coppess entered into eternal rest on Sunday March 12, 2023 at the age of 85 years. She was born in Minneapolis, MN on September 7, 1937 to her parents, Lillian M McCarron and Robert W McCarron. She met the “love of her life,” Donald L Coppess, in 1957 on a blind date. At that time Phyllis was attending nurses training at Glenwood Hills Hospital in Golden Valley, MN. They were married in 1958 and lived in NE Mpls on Grand St near the old Grain Belt Beer Brewery for 5 years. They then purchased their home and moved to Fridley, MN in 1963. Her sons Dean and Douglas were born in Nordeast and David and Dennis in Fridley. She lived a wonderful life there until her passing.

Don and Phyllis had five children. Four sons and one daughter: Dean, Douglas, David, Dennis, and Dawna. They adopted their second daughter Denise as an infant.

Phyllis was a stay at home mother. She had numerous other “children” she loved and cared for through her work as a licensed foster care provider for Anoka County for 30+ years starting in 1973. Mom and Dad were recognized by 3 separate governors of the State of MN through awards, ceremonies, banquets, plaques, and publications.  As well she was appointed to numerous state boards and committees on fostering. Don was very proud of all her accomplishments as a foster parent.

Phyllis was a Christian woman and had a very strong faith in her Lord Jesus Christ. She was a dedicated and amazing mother to all her children. Encouraging, compassionate, generous, and always willing to help. She freely “lent her ear” and shared her deep wisdom with her children. She gave strong advice which helped guide them (many times) through a wide variety of situations and challenges they faced during their lives. Don and Phyllis worked very hard on earning and saving for their “nest egg.” That being said they were generous with their money and always willing to help others in as many different ways as they could. Don and Phyllis were also generous contributors to their beloved church family in Hackensack, MN.

She was a true friend to more people then we can count. Phyllis never hesitated to reach out to others in their times of need to comfort, advise, and pray for them. She would spend whatever time was needed in talking to people on the phone, and in writing cards and letters. She continued this practice even when she herself was experiencing pain and suffering while recovering in the hospital from an illness or even a serious surgery. Phyllis was always thinking of others and putting them first even before her own needs!

Phyllis is preceded in death by her infant daughter, Dawna; her eldest son, Dean (age 21); her father, Robert McCarron; mother, Lillian Ruhl “Lily”; and her loving husband, Donald.

She is survived by her sons, Douglas, David, and Dennis; daughter, Denise; brother, Patrick McCarron; sisters, Sharon Stepinski, and Nancy (James) Coulter; grandchildren, Nathan, Jessica, Danielle, and Matthew; and great grand-daughter, Noa. Phyllis is also survived by numerous other family members, prior foster care friends and associates, as well as a multitude of church and personal friends.

As we close this final chapter in her life, we can do so gratefully realizing how all of us have been truly blessed by having known her.

Visitation is Wednesday, March 22  from 5 pm to 8pm at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley MN 55432. Funeral service will also be held at Miller Funeral Home on Thursday, March 23rd at 11:00 am with visitation from 10:00am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Interment will be held on Friday, March 24th at 9:45am at:

Ft. Snelling National Cemetery

7601 - 34th Ave. S., Mpls.

All attending will meet no later than 9:45am (Assembly Lane #4) prior to going to the gravesite.

Her memory lives on in all those who were blessed to have known her.