Phyllis Marie Kirst

Celebrating the Life of Phyllis Marie Kirst Phyllis Marie Kirst was the oldest of four children born to Bud and Hattie Meyers on March 25, 1925 in Freeport, MN. While still a young child, her family moved to California and settled in Montrose, CA where her father was a real estate investor, auto dealer and operator/owner of the Montrose Theater on Honolulu Ave. Her family attended Holy Redeemer Church where she first met “the love of her life”, Cliff, at Catechism class. Her life was full and busy but her family still managed to travel back to Minnesota to visit relatives numerous times, enjoy their cabin in Big Bear and, of course, spend time fishing with her father. Phyllis attended Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy and Immaculate Heart College in Hollywood, where she majored in music, and performed in the choir and school productions. She developed close, life-long friendships with several of her classmates and was active in the Class of 1943 Sacred Heart Academy’s Alumni events. During her college years the relationship between she and Cliff matured and they were married after his Naval Service on May 11, 1946. Phyllis and Cliff moved several times as the family grew to nine children: La Crescenta, CA – Grants Pass, OR – Montrose, CA – West Covina, CA and finally to Glendale, CA where they spent their last 50 years. Since high school, Phyllis developed a special longtime relationship with her teacher and mentor, Sr. Benigna Krug, O.P. Her faith and devotions were encouraged and strengthened by Sister, resulting in Phyllis entering the Third Order of St. Dominic on November 22, 1953. For many years she attended the Third Order meetings and devotions at St. Dominic’s Church in Eagle Rock, often accompanied by her children. While she lived in West Covina, Phyllis used her musical talents by singing in the St. Christopher’s Church Choir. After moving to Glendale, she and Cliff were active members of Incarnation Church and attended daily Mass together. She was a member of the Altar Society and occasionally assisted with student supervision at Incarnation School, where all of her children attended. She and Cliff hosted Bible Study Groups in their home and eventually joined the Young in Spirit Incarnation Senior Group. Phyllis developed a devotion to Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, the Lily of the Mohawks. She joined the Archdiocese’s City of the Angels Kateri Circle, which promoted Kateri’s cause for canonization, attending their meetings & Ethnic Masses, and supporting their causes. She also had the joy of visiting the National Shrine of Kateri in Quebec, Canada. Phyllis was an avid reader, loved the opera, classical music & live theater. Sparked by her interest in Ukranian egg designs, she started an egg collection, accumulating hundreds of unique eggs from all over the world. One of her greatest pleasures was traveling. There were many memorable family vacations including the beach, Big Bear and Yellowstone Park. She loved the many adventures in the motor home, including the infamous drive from the west coast to the east coast in 1972 with four teenage daughters in tow. Countless cruises and thrilling hot air balloon rides filled her golden years. Most of all, Mom’s greatest joy was her children. There were many family gatherings and celebrations in the back yard with swimming and barbeques. As each child married and started their own family, she looked forward to visiting with each one, regardless of their location. Her strong faith in God was a vital part of her life and sustained her through her personal trials as well as the deaths of her youngest daughter, Charlotte, her grandson, Kevin, her daughter-in-law, Sara and especially helped her through the death of her dear husband, Cliff, in 2011. Phyllis is survived by eight of her children and their spouses: Terry Kirst (Sr. Mary Charlotte, RGS), Tom Kirst, Debbie & Dave Dunkel, Carol & Jay Poore, Sarah & Larry Dunkel, Leah & Carlos Aguirre, Jenny & Dave Rez, Helen & David Craven Her fifteen Grand-Children: Lissa Stovall - Dave Dunkel, Laurie Segura, Wendy Mitchell - Jim & Ben Poore - Chris & Josh Dunkel - Jason, Joe, Jeff & CJ Aguirre and Jeanie Nigro - Alex & Isabella Rez, Her 21 Great-Grandchildren Her sister, Mary Jean Crandall Her brothers, Jim & Bill Meyers We are grateful for Mom’s life, her faith, and her love and care for each of us.

In lieu of flowers, Phyllis asks that donations be made to the following:

The Dominican Convent

P.O. Box 3908

Mission San Jose, CA 94539

or

The Kateri Circle, Los Angeles

Native American Ministry

3424 Wilshire Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90010