Phyllis J. (Lea) Abrahams passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the age of 96 (b. Dec. 23, 1929).
Phyllis was born in Peterson, Minnesota, to Gladys (Thorud) and Albert Lea.
She grew up on the family farm with her three siblings, uncles, grandparents and cousins. Her father passed away when Phyllis was only 6 – she would later recall riding to his funeral in a sleigh. Phyllis witnessed a span of time most of us only read about – from a five-cent driver’s license, war rations, turning on an electric light for the first time and attending a one room schoolhouse to one day learning to use an iPad. Her laugh carried her through all life’s changes.
Phyllis met her husband Don while attending Luther College. After marrying in 1950, they settled in Bloomington, Minnesota, where they raised their four children: Nancy, Kirk, Tom and Dave. Phyllis would always remember a time when her neighborhood was full of families and kids playing in all the backyards. Phyllis later worked for the City of Bloomington and Martin Luther Manor. She enjoyed golfing (even got a hole in one!), quilting and sewing with her church group, watercolor painting, baking bars and Scandinavian treats, and playing Scrabble.
Phyllis loved learning about her ancestry. She compiled an extensive genealogy record and traveled to Norway twice. She loved playing games and continued hosting her “card ladies” for nickels and treats even after moving into long-term care. She was always ready to welcome you to her home with a good story and a plate of brownies. She was known to say “I like people!”, which couldn’t have been truer. She remained in her Bloomington home for nearly 75 years, until the last four months of her life.
Phyllis will always be remembered for her strength, kindness, hospitality, and quick sense of humor. She welcomed people as they came: “Vi er ikke alle gale like.” Translation: We’re not all crazy alike.
Phyllis leaves behind her sons David Abrahams (Kim Parlow) and Thomas (Patricia) Abrahams, 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews, cousins and beloved friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Don Abrahams, son Kirk Abrahams, daughter Nancy Thieret (Abrahams), granddaughter Christine Abrahams, and her three siblings Glenn Lea, Dolores Fowkes, and LaVina Tikal.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 15 at Atonement Lutheran Church at 601 E. 98th St in Bloomington, Minnesota, with a visitation at 10 a.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon.
Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family.
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