Phyllis K Marshall

With a heart that knew no bounds and a laugh that could brighten the gloomiest of days, Phyllis Kay Marshall, affectionately known as Gram, Grandma, and GG to her beloved grandchildren, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026 at the age of 88.

Phyllis was born in Duluth, MN to the late Signe and Kermit Paulson. She graduated from Proctor High where she was in the band, choir and was a majorette. After high school, Phyllis completed Radiology Tech training and worked in radiology at the West Duluth Clinic, and in later years at the Duluth Clinic in the Breast Center. She also belonged to “Homemakers” club. For more than 50 years, she would gather with her group of club friends for crafts and activities, and in the more recent years, gathering for a coffee and a chat.

Phyllis never  did anything halfway. Whether she was nurturing her children and grandchildren, or cultivating her beautiful perennial gardens, baking cookies, or making applesauce, she brought a fierce, passionate love to every endeavor. She taught her family that kindness is a superpower, and she made each of her 11 grandchildren feel like they were her very favorite. The countless tea parties, games of Spoons, and bowls of ice cream are just a drop in the bucket of the times she spent loving her family. 

Phyllis was the undisputed matriarch of our family, a role she managed with a unique blend of wisdom, wit, and unconditional love . Her kitchen was a sanctuary, and the scent of her legendary German sweet chocolate dessert or Chicken wild rice soup will forever remind us of dinners filled with chaos, love, and laughter.

She was, quite simply, the fun grandma, and the BEST MOM EVER! She taught her children and grandchildren how to be confident as well as how to navigate life with grace. 

Phyllis is survived by her children Mark Anderson, Ross Marshall,

Jan (Pat)Marshall, Paige (Blaire) Evanson, and Nicolle (Chris) Pazdernik; her cherished grandchildren -who were her greatest joy: Alexandra (Aaron)Wilkinson and Dominic Marshall, Leigh, Megan, and Allison (Shawn) Heveron, Beau (Felicity)Evanson, Brekken (Tyler) Payton and Dayne (Ashley)Evanson, Drew (Phylisha)Pazdernik, Parker and Gracie Pazdernik; great grandkids: Lileigh, Jayce, Alonzo, Maliq, Symone, Ameliyah, Marshall, Goldie (and lil sis due in May), and Artem. She was preceded in death by her soulmate and husband of 50 years Wayne, with whom she is surely sharing a dance once more.

A celebration of Phyllis’ vibrant life will be held at First Methodist Church, 230 E Skyline Parkway, Duluth, MN on April 18th. 10:00am visitation, 11:00 service, and lunch to follow.  Phyllis loved the color blue, so please honor her by wearing blue.  We would like thank Essentia Health Hospice, Danica and  Leslie from Floor 18, and Dr. Nicole Groeschl for always giving us as much time as we needed, sharing thoughts of your darling girls, and for your kindness through all of Mom’s medical care. In lieu of flowers, she would have preferred a donation to your favorite charity or simply that you take a moment to bake a treat for someone.