Phyllis I Fennell

Phyllis Ival (Olson) Fennell, 75, died peacefully on Friday, Sept. 19, 2014 at her home in Great Falls, Montana of natural causes. Phyllis was born on November 2, 1938 in Chinook, MT. She is the daughter of Melvin Jurine Olson and Geraldine (Hill) Olson. Phyllis attended The Ursuline Academy and graduated from Central Catholic High School. She played the tuba in school and was a talented pianist. Phyllis married Donald J Fennell on September 7, 1957 and together they had one daughter, Twila. They divorced in 1974. Phyllis worked for many years with Mountain Bell until it closed in Great Falls after it was sold to Qwest. Phyllis and her business partner Nancy Loendorf started the FL Pet Resort in 1987. She retired in 2009 due to health reasons. Phyllis had an impish streak and a quick smile; she was fun to be with. She enjoyed St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and always decorated her home beautifully for Christmas. Phyllis took pleasure in watching her daughter ice skate, spending hours on the bench watching practices. She was involved in the Great Falls Figure Skating Club. Phyllis loved animals, cooking, fishing and camping. She was preceded in death by her parents and twin sister Louella. She is survived by her daughter, Twila (Bryan) Costigan of Helena; close friend Nancy Loendorf; granddaughters, and great grandchildren. Many thanks and blessings to Nancy; her sister Sue; and Judy McCaffery for their gentle and loving care during her illness. A vigil service is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 and a funeral mass at 12:10 p.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at St. Mary Catholic Community in Helena. Donations can be made in Phyllis’s name to one of the causes that were close to her heart: The City of Great Falls Animal Shelters HUG program or Peace Hospice in Great Falls.