Obituary

Phyllis Marie (Melbo) Zuck was born on March 25,1927 in Bellingham to loving parents George and June Melbo. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Whatcom Hospice House on Friday, June 17.

Phyllis attended Bellingham High School, graduating summa cum laude, class of 1945 and attended the UW. Phyllis was an accomplished pianist and loved music, especially the big band era and disco.  She taught her four children and numerous grandchildren how to dance and fostered a love of music with her family.

Phyllis was introduced to the love of her life, Oscar Grant Zuck, by her uncle Phil Melbo. They were married on June 2,1951 at the First Congregational Church in Bellingham and were happily married for 40 years until Grant’s untimely passing in 1991. She is now reunited with the love of her life.

Phyllis was a wonderful mother to her three sons; Al, George, John and daughter Terri. She loved and welcomed her neighbors and created a home where her children and their friends were always welcome. She was a truly beautiful woman in every way and her love was evident in everything she did and everyone she encountered.  She always put her family first and was warm, welcoming and non-judgmental to everyone. Phyllis celebrated everyone’s birthday with a homemade cake, decorations and the infamous birthday record (Hail, Hail, the Gang’s All Here!).

Phyllis was an accomplished homemaker. She was frugal and resourceful, never forgetting the lessons of the Depression Era. She was involved in the Home Demonstration Club, meeting regularly and taking lessons in food canning, knitting, and sewing. Phyllis was an amazing seamstress and even fashioned ski apparel for her family.

Phyllis and Grant built a life and raised their family on Yew Street Road at the top of the hill. They formed long lasting friendships with their neighbors, including Grace and Don Flescher and the Peterson family.  They worked together on their 20 acre homestead, developing the property with a pond, garden, barn, and livestock. Her children agree they lived an idyllic childhood there. Phyllis and Grant were instrumental in the development of the Yew Street volunteer fire station. They volunteered at the Bellingham Food Bank and the Northwest Gleaners Association.

Phyllis and Grant were active members of Norway Hall Wergeland Lodge #21 and enjoyed the dance classes including polka, Norwegian (the polka dots!). They were active members of Silver Beach Community Church for many years.  Phyllis enjoyed calligraphy; her beautiful handwriting was noted on the many cards and letters sent to family and friends. After Grant’s retirement, they enjoyed their RV adventures with family. She was a wonderful grandmother and loved and nurtured her grandchildren, caring for them when sick, encouraging and supporting their dreams.

Phyllis was a proud Norwegian, her favorite Norwegian phrase was, “såengår det,såenskåldet være” translated to “that’s the way it is, that’s the way it goes, and that’s the way it shall be.”

Phyllis is survived by her sons: Al (Marcia), George (Susan), and John (Tracey) and daughter Terri Zuck-Chronister; grandchildren: Stephanie Zuck, Christopher Zuck (Ashley), Amanda Lacey (Ryan), Vanessa Barr, Phillip Zuck (Juliana), David Chronister (Kyndra), Lindsay Chronister-Pon (Dan), and Jennifer Martinson. Phyllis’ great-grandchildren are Grant and Goldie Zuck, Luke and Elijah Zuck, Grace and Joseph Barr, Jude, Roman, and Kai Chronister, Max and Zoe Martinson, and newborn Oscar Pon. Phyllis is survived by a large extended family and numerous loving friends.

The family would like to thank the numerous health professionals who provided care, comfort, and support over the years. Donations in memory of Phyllis Zuck can be made to Whatcom Hospice House, Bellingham.

Service for Phyllis will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2022. Visitation at 1:00pm at Moles Farewell Tributes – Bayview Chapel. Graveside Service at 2:00pm at Bayview Cemetery. Reception to follow at Moles Farewell Tributes – Bayview Chapel.