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Phyllis Whitcomb Obituary
Whitcomb
May 26, 1920 - April 2, 2016
SOUTH BEND - A life of love and service ended April 2, 2016, as Phyllis “Acorn” Martin Whitcomb died peacefully in her home. Born May 26, 1920, to Diehl and Margaret Martin, she married Leslie “Bear” C. Whitcomb in South Bend, IN, on Sept. 26, 1942.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, two brothers and an infant daughter.
Phyllis is survived by six children: Leslie (Jan) Whitcomb, San Diego, CA, Stuart (Sherry) Whitcomb, Kokomo, IN, Bruce (Martha) Whitcomb, Castle Rock, CO, Arthur (Judi) Whitcomb, South Bend, IN, Kenneth (Laurie, deceased) Whitcomb, Indianapolis, IN, and Anne Whitcomb, South Bend, IN; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
After graduating from South Bend Central High School she studied at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and Indiana University-South Bend. As a proficient artist Phyllis at one time worked as a copy editor and artist for the South Bend Tribune. Phyllis was proud of her involvement in Head Start and the Panel of American Women. She also served as camp director of the South Bend First Presbyterian Redbud Trail Retreat in Buchanan, Michigan, where children and adults affectionately knew her as “Acorn.”
She enjoyed gathering family genealogy and collecting antiques. Phyllis also had a passion for nature and animals.
Following retirement Leslie and Phyllis moved to Cape Coral, FL, where they volunteered their time teaching English as a Second Language and working in the Lee Memorial Hospital Auxiliary organization. When not involved in volunteering, they enjoyed traveling the United States and abroad, making new friends and experiencing new cultures.
The family will celebrate Phyllis' life privately.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Whitcomb
Karen Kimbriel
April 11, 2016
The Whitcomb family was a major part of growing up in South Bend and at First Presbyterian Church. Thoughts and prayers to them all.
CherryLee Belknap
April 10, 2016
Acorn was an icon at Redbud. Due to my parents, Lee & Marie, involved in church camp, l was many times the youngest one there. Acorn always kept me busy. Just recently went thru photos, since Dad's passing. Miss them all!
Beth Sundloff
April 8, 2016
I feel the loss of a 72 year friendship with dear Phyllis, but cherish my time with her - in South Bend, Florida, and a round trip trailer vacation to/from California when the children were young. So many wonderful memories. She did more in her lifetime for more people than anyone else I know. I look forward to seeing her in Heaven.
Kelly Marquart
April 7, 2016
Acorn was a beautiful person inside and out. Her presence will be missed. She was a loving grandmother to Justin. I will always remember her and Anne's visit to New Mexico to see the Balloon Fiesta.
Martha Whitcomb
April 6, 2016
Acorn was a blessing to everyone who knew her. She welcomed my sons and me into her life with open arms, and enriched our lives with her warmth and kindness. She gave so much to others, and so richly deserved the abounding love she received in return. She was truly a wonderful woman, and will be missed by her family who adored her.
Lori Shay
April 5, 2016
I grieve with the Whitcombs family and friends as we say goodbye to one of the most beautiful souls on this earth. May your beautiful soul rest in peace Phyllis! To have known you is to have loved you!
Anne had sent this photo to me. It is displayed in our bird room.
Jan Budd Doublestein
April 5, 2016
Indianapolis Zoo
Jan Budd Doublestein
April 5, 2016
I wish I had photos from Redbud days :)
Jan Budd Doublestein
April 5, 2016
Jan Budd Doublestein
April 5, 2016
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