Phyllis Berggreen, 43-Year Resident

Phyllis Palmer Berggreen, a resident of Pacific Palisades for 44 years, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family members, one of her caregivers, and her minister and his wife, on Saturday afternoon, January 15. She was 86.   Born January 5, 1925, in Stevensville, Maryland to T. Herman and Edna Palmer, Phyllis was the youngest of four children. She met her future husband, Raymond Berggreem, at the University of Maryland, where she graduated with a degree in home economics.   Raymond and Phyllis were married July 28, 1946 in Salisbury, Maryland, and were happily married for 53 years until Raymond’s death in 1999. Their first two children were born in New Jersey and the remaining three were born in Mason City, Iowa. The family moved to Marin County in Northern California in 1962 and to Pacific Palisades in 1967.   Phyllis was an active member of the Palisades Presbyterian Church. She was president of the Lamplighters, served as a deacon and was involved in Chapel Guild and Bible studies. After most of the child-rearing was behind her, Phyllis volunteered for years with Meals on Wheels in Santa Monica. She was also a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood for over 50 years, serving as president of Chapter OB for two years. In addition, she loved to golf, ski and play bridge.   Suffering with a degenerative neurological disease, Phyllis put up a tough fight for the past seven years. Her final year, she was under the care of Hospice Partners of Southern California, located in Santa Monica. Phyllis is survived by her children, Linda Lake (husband Peter) of Gwinn, Michigan; Richard Berggreen (Jan) of Wilmette, Illinois; Jeanne Plekon (Michael) of Holmes, New York; Amy Berggreen of Pacific Palisades; and Lois Berggreen of Cayucos, California. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, as well as one sister, Doris Gardner of Chester, Maryland.   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church’s Pipe Organ fund.   A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 5, at 3 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 15821 Sunset Blvd.