Phyllis Ann Zwart

Phyllis Ann Zwart passed through life bringing joy to those around her. Her Down syndrome condition, combined with a lovely face and beautiful strawberry blond hair, created a striking appearance. Her sweet, fun-loving disposition lent charm to all interactions.

Phyllis left this life shortly before noon on Sept. 22, after a deep, comfortable sleep of several days. Fortunately, she experienced little pain while bedridden for several months.

Her 63 years were spent living in love with parents, Philip and Barbara Zwart. She was also close to her siblings, Daniel, David, Christine, and Donna. Phyllis especially loved and enjoyed Audri Smith, Special Olympics leader and organizer in Estes Park.

Phyllis lived a full, happy life. She was born in St. Louis, Mo., in 1963 and moved with family to Richardson, Tex., in 1973. She completed special school at age 21and worked for several years at the nearby university cafeteria. She enjoyed music, dancing, fishing, and running in the Special Olympics, winning several medals. She loved working with her hands and spent nighttime making long chains of paper loops. These carefully crafted chains decorated social events, including a few Christmas trees.

Phyllis moved to Estes Park with family in 2002. She may have been seen in colorful clothing, grocery shopping and attending local events with her family.

Her greatest pleasure was being with family and friends, talking and laughing around the dining table or side by side on the sofa, or cuddled together on the big comfy sofa chair. Her smile widened when receiving a warm hug or any personal attention.

Phyllis will be missed and remembered and loved, always.

A memorial gathering is planned for Sunday, Nov. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center. At 2:30 p.m., Phil will comment on life with Phyllis, and all are welcome to add to the discussion. Light refreshments will be served. Dress is casual.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Estes Park Senior Citizens Center via Vicki Papineau or Estes Park Special Olympics via Audri Smith.