Mrs Phyllis Esther Edwinson

Phyllis, or Phyllo, as her husband Dick called her, came into the world as Philomena Esther Kearney on June 5, 1930. She was the 10th of 12 children born to Edward and May Rose Kearney in Taungoo, Burma. Edward Kearney, originally from Ireland, was a railroad inspector for the Burma Railroad. He passed away when Phyllis was only eight. Then World War ll began and the Japanese invaded Burma. With what possessions they could carry, the family fled north toward India to escape the bombing in the major cities. They made it to a village where a Catholic church was giving refuge. The Japanese caught up with them and established an Internment Camp at Zawgi Village. For the next three and a half years this was their home. Life was tough with little food and supplies but for Phyllis it also meant no school and making new friends. This is where she met her future husband Dick. She was 11 and he was 13 years old. Many struggles and adventures unfolded after the war. Upon returning to Taungoo they discovered that the family home had been burned down and the farm animals were gone. May Rose did not know how she would take care of her children so the Catholic church stepped in and offered to take Phyllis and her sister Theresa in as boarders and to educate them. While living in the convent, Phyllis discovered her talent and passion for sewing. When a half of a silk parachute was donated to the convent, she decided to try her hand at sewing. Before long, she was the designated sewer and was making many of the clothes for the orphan girls in the convent. Phyllis and Richard were married on May 24th, 1952 in Thyanggyun, Burma, where Dick’s family was from. After Britain gave Burma their independence in 1948, the newly formed government Union of Burma took over. This new government was not friendly to Europeans, and people of European descent began leaving. Most of the family went to England or Australia but Richard yearned for a new life in America. They finally got their chance in 1957. With three young children and a fourth on the way, they boarded the plane for America. As they were nearing Guam, Phyllis went into labor and the plane was forced to land and baby Glen was born. The family continued on to the United States where they settled in San Francisco, California. Phyllis became active in the local church, St Elizabeth's, where she taught Catechism and helped out in the office. She also revealed a flair for business when she became a successful Tupperware Manager and supervised as many as 25 dealers. She was once Manager of the Year and won a trip for two to Hawaii. After taking care of her mother and Uncle George until they passed away, Phyllis opened a Board and Care Facility in her home where she cared for the elderly. She loved lilies, roses, and all flowers; she had a real green thumb. She loved chocolate and hated vegetables. She loved traveling and has been all over the world. Phyllis has joyfully participated in the lives of her children: Richard, Michael, Lorraine, and Glen. She also was a cherished grandmother to Robyn, Erica, Tina, Roxanne, Ricky, John, Jordan, Shelley, Anthony, Andrew, Phoebe, Emmett, Daniel and Skyler. She also has seven great-grandchildren: Cassidy, Shelby, Hailey, Maverick, Preston, Parker, and Nicholas. She is also survived by her younger brother Arthur and many nieces and nephews all over the world. We invite you to contribute to one of Phyllis’s favorite charities in lieu of flowers: Friends of Myanmar. Please make the check out to Friends of Myanmar and send it to Michael Edwinson, 1746 Agadir Court, Concord, Ca, 94518. He will make certain that the charity receives your donation and provide a receipt. We welcome your memories and stories about Phyllis. Please add them here!

Mrs Phyllis Esther Edwinson

June 5, 1930 - August 2, 2015