Phyllis M. Waters

Phyllis Waters passed away peacefully in her home in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, on August 26, 2025. Just weeks earlier, she joyfully celebrated her 101 st birthday with visits from many friends and family.

Phyllis was born on August 13, 1924, in Baraboo, Wisconsin, to James and Esther Morley. She was the third of four daughters, Betty, Mary, and Loyce, and grew up surrounded by her extended family on the farms around Baraboo. The family later moved to Milwaukee in 1927, where Phyllis created many fond memories, from her school years at South Division High School through her college days at Milwaukee State Teachers College.

From a young age, Phyllis developed a deep passion for music and education. She played the piano, saxophone, and clarinet, often earning extra money during college by performing in Milwaukee clubs.

Her greatest joy and accomplishment was raising her "two little boys." After the family moved to Menomonee Falls in 1956, Phyllis began to live out her dreams of mothering, teaching, and sharing her love of music.

In 1975, with her dear friends Patsy Baer, Diane Becker, she founded Children's Community Center (CCC), fulfilling her lifelong dream of opening a preschool that integrated both disabled and "typical" children in the same classrooms. Since then, CCC has become one of Wisconsin's premier early childhood programs, welcoming thousands of children through its doors. While serving for decades as Program Director, Phyllis continued to lead the school's beloved "before lunch" music sessions each day, gathering the children to sing and dance together in the gym.

Outside of work, Phyllis loved playing tennis with friends and proudly competed in the Senior Olympics, winning numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals. In her later years, when there were no longer competitors in her age bracket, she happily played down and still brought home the gold.

After the death of her husband, Bob, in 1997, Phyllis began teaching piano lessons from her home. Over the years, she passed along her love of the instrument to hundreds of students.

Her 100 th year brought both challenges and blessings, made possible through the loving support of family and friends. Most important to Phyllis was remaining in her own home, which was achieved thanks to devoted family and external caregivers. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to her special friend Rani Klages, the team at Rent-A-Daughter, and Horizon Hospice for the high level of care they provided during this time.

She is survived by her children Rob (Sue) Waters and James (Marie) Waters. She was the proud grandmother of Tobin (Jan) Waters, Jessica (Phil) McIlheran, Jason (Katie) Waters, and Rebecca Waters (Bob Madden). She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Mario and Natalie Waters, Grace and Molly McIlheran, and Kaya and Nolan Monzingo.

Teaching children was her calling and her passion, and her life was dedicated to finding and celebrating the uniqueness in each of them. We are honored to celebrate the extraordinary life and lasting legacy of the one and only Phyllis Waters.

All are welcome to come join us for a celebration of life at Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church in Menomonee Falls (N84 W16707 Menomonee Ave.) on Saturday, October 18th. A time of remembrance will take place from 12:00–2:00 p.m., followed by a 2:00 p.m. service and social gathering. Phyllis wanted to be celebrated, not mourned, so please dress in bright, colorful clothing.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to Children's Community Center, Falls Patio Players, or the Menomonee Falls Public Library.