Phyllis Ann Brahan

Phyllis Ann Brahan, 83, more lovingly called Phyl, 'Philly' or 'Gramma', was peacefully called to heaven on November 23rd, after giving a kiss to those she loved. The daughter of the late Elmer and Elda (Nelson) Westphal, she was born in Cecil on March 2, 1933. After graduating, she had many adventures in Milwaukee before returning to Clintonville to marry James Brahan in 1956. Together they raised their six children, Patrice, Susan, Christopher, Roxanne, James and Kerry, while working as secretary and as a CNA and Purchasing Supervisor at the Outagamie County Health Center for many years.

Phyl loved to travel, especially to Lake Havasu City, AZ and to Mexico, where she was able to bask in the warm sunshine. Gramma truly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, watching their games, performances, and celebrating their many successes. As a former season ticket holder, Phyllis was a true Green Bay Packers fan and loved watching them play. She also loved reading and playing cards in her spare time.

She always enjoyed having company and hosting get-togethers for family and friends, and proudly attributed that to her Norwegian heritage. Even for those who stopped by unannounced, she always offered her guests a bite to eat and a well-made old fashioned, or two, to accompany her hilarity, her stories and thoughts about life.

Those who knew our gramma, knew the strong, spunky, loving and selfless person she was. Even after surviving breast cancer over a decade ago, she always had a kiss and a smile for those she loved and was rarely tight-lipped with her opinions, no matter what the topic. She almost never did for herself, but preferred to offer what she had to those she loved. Her sarcastic wit was enjoyed by many through her final days and her sass will forever be remembered.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband James “Tiger”, in August 2001 and her great-granddaughter Calista, shortly thereafter, as well as other family and friends throughout the years.

Friends may call at St. Thomas More Church, 1810 N. McDonald St., Appleton, from 10:00-11:30am on Saturday, December 10, 2016. A memorial mass will be held at 11:30am, with Fr. Gerald Falk officiating.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Father Falk, Compasses Hospice & Palliative Care, and the staff at Fox Valley Hematology & Oncology, while especially recognizing Rose H. and all the caregivers and nurses at Brookdale Assisted Living for their hard-work, dedication, compassion and love.