We are saddened to announce the passing of Phyllis A. Champeau on Sunday, December 31, 2023, at Hospice of the Valley, Eckstein Center in Scottsdale, AZ where she was surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Our sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, was greeted by her mother, Genevieve Champeau (2013), father, Alvin Champeau (2000), nephew, Jordan Binder (1985) and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that have gone before her.
Living a very full and accomplished life, Phyllis was always there for those who needed a helping hand. Her dedication to that following led her to be socially responsible in so many ways. Annually, she volunteered at Christmas to serve meals and photograph families at the Salvation Army in Phoenix.
Phyllis, fondly known as “Phyl”, “Aunt Phydo” was born in Sheboygan, WI, December 15, 1949, the diversity in her life began. Jobs included mail carrier, woodworker, leather worker in her early years. After earning a BS Degree in Mathematics at Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI and completing Graduate studies at University of Wisconsin Madison her career carried her across the U.S. working in Colorado, California, Maryland, Texas, Nevada and Arizona as a Computer Information Specialist. She set up system hardware, software and directed personnel requirements for credit card companies and banks. As her career continued, she found that one of her strengths was to provide leadership and nurture teamwork. That gift led her to CEO, VP and various positions in her career.
Phyllis was an avid tennis and softball athlete in her early years. She also umpired for slow and fast pitch softball in the city of Sheboygan which earned her the distinction of being the first woman umpire to be inducted into the Sheboygan Softball Association (SSA) Hall of Fame in 2004. Phyllis also was an Arizona Diamondbacks and lifelong Packer fan.
Upon her retirement, Phyllis became a published author of several mystery novels, and an exceptional photographer, teacher of computer courses and was instrumental in coordinating and facilitating group studies at her local church, St. Patrick Catholic Community in Scottsdale, AZ. Phyllis took great pride in her friendship with the “Church Ladies”.
Phyllis leaves behind her brother, Randall (Karen) Champeau, Sarona, WI; sister, Marsha (Mark) Binder, Plymouth, WI; cherished nephews, Joshua (Moni Berg) Binder, Eagan, MN; Kellen (Amanda) Binder, Mt. Pleasant, WI; Gabriel Champeau (Jessica), Eau Claire, WI; adored grand nieces and nephews; Arlo & Milo Champeau, Felix, Margot, Gwendolyn, and Finley Binder. Phyllis was excited and anticipating the arrival of a Champeau niece due in early 2024.
Also left behind are long time and dear family friends, Carolyn and Mike Andrews, who cannot be thanked enough for their friendship, love, and kindness they have always shown Phyllis. Their support given to our family during this sad time will always be remembered.
The life of Phyllis was celebrated with a Mass of Resurrection at on Monday, January 8, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Community, Scottsdale, AZ.
After her final journey home, a memorial and interment service will be held at The Chapel of Eternal Light at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 6706 Superior Avenue, Kohler, WI. At 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2024, with Father Subi Thomas, Pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church – Plymouth, will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made, in Phyllis’s name, to The Salvation Army at https://salvationarmyphoenix.org/memorial-giving or St. Patrick Catholic Community, 10815 North 84th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Eckstein Center, Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care of Phyllis during her brief stay there.
Date: Thursday Jan 18, 2024
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Greenlawn Memorial Park - Chapel of Eternal Light [map]