Phyllis Lea Christofferson

1922 - 2013

Phyllis Lea Christofferson

Phyllis Lea was born to George and Rubie Zopf on Feb. 1, 1922, in Onalaska, WA where her father was the town druggist. She spent her childhood in Onalaska, and thanks to alphabetical seating at school, became life-long friends with the butcher's daughter, Helen Zettle (Gaylord). She graduated from The Helen Bush School in Seattle in 1939, then earned her pharmacy degree at Wash. St. College and the Univ. of Wash. She graduated and became a licensed pharmacist in 1944. Her parents had moved to Seattle where her father built Zopf's Laurelhurst Pharmacy, and Phyllis went to work for him there. In 1947 she married Alvin Person, and they had four boys, Randy, Bruce, Karl, and Gregg. After Al passed away, she married Norman "Chris" Christofferson, which brought his children Carol, Bill, Cheryl, and Barbara into her life. Phyllis worked as a pharmacist for over 50 years, first at the family drugstore, then for other independent druggists, and finally at Fircrest school. Twice widowed, she valued the chance to keep sharp, productive, and help others. She was an avid swimmer, and the regular 5 am crowd at Aqua-Dive pool developed many close friendships. She traveled extensively, first with Chris, later with friends. She was preceded in death by Bruce, Al, Karl, Bill, and Chris. She passed away December 22, 2013, and is survived by Randy (Marise) and Gregg Person, Carol Baltzell, Cheryl McIntyre, Barbara Thayer and their children and grandchildren, all of whom gave her much pleasure. She is laid to rest in the family plot at Evergreen-Washelli. A gathering of family and friends is planned later this spring. Family suggests memorials to Village Community Services, Arlington, WA.