Phoebe graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1958. In 1972 she married Richard Searl. Together they enjoyed bowling, classic movies, and the many animals in their lives, from the cats and dogs that were family pets to the birds that enjoyed the many birdfeeders Phoebe stocked in the backyard of their home. Phoebe regularly attended St. Thomas Aquinas Church, and later St. Martha Church. She was a longtime member of the choir at both churches and enjoyed actively participating in her church.
She relished a good meal with Richard and their friends at many favorite Lansing establishments that are no longer with us including the Red Rail Bar, DeLuca’s (a favorite pizza spot), and DeMarco’s.
Phoebe will be remembered as a warm and caring person. She had a quick wit, while always finding a way to put others at ease. She also had an extraordinary recipe for deviled eggs, a much-anticipated holiday treat.
Phoebe was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, George Abbott; her sister, Joann Anderson; Joann’s husband, Joe; and her brother-in-law, Ted Beekman. She is survived by her beloved husband, Richard Searl of Okemos; her sister-in-law, Kay Beekman; and her nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to dear friends Tom and Bonnie Kent who assisted Phoebe with her medical care and provided loving support over the last several years.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 11 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Home in East Lansing, with a Rosary at 5:00 p.m.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 12 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Martha Catholic Church in Okemos. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service.
