I,too, met Phyllis in September, 1952. Along with Beth and Roxie, rooming all together our senior year cemented a life long friendship. Phyllis visited my family in Rye, N.H. Ever being a reporter she was so interested in hearing about the history of our 1703 farmhouse. Her adventurous spirit led her to clamming INSERT INTO guestbook VALUES (muddy tennis shoes and all) at the Seabrook clam flats with my late husband, Rick. When she and Beth visited us in Mexico she was fasinated by our little Mexican village, intriged by our visit to the black sand beach in Cuyatlan, enjoyed the "funky" little hotel we stayed in and was delighted to taste fresh coconut for the first time. Such wonderful memories will live on. She will not be forgotten. My sincere condolences to her loving family.
Mary Alice Sargent
February 25, 2011
To the Fleming family:
I am saddened by the news Phyllis has passed on. She was a grand lady who, in my eyes, set the bar for news reporting at The Gazette. She taught all of us contemporaries a few hard lessons about writing the correct way, mostly out loud from across the newsroom, standing tall behind her desk. When one was humbled by Phyllis' spelling and grammar expertise, no one within earshot cracked the slightest smile. We had walked in those shoes.
When I stepped out of the "toy store" better known as Sports to tackle a news story close to my heart, I learned more about reporting than I would ever need. Her firm schooling helped lead to my 15 years in the business.
Way more admirable, Phyllis was a true pioneer. She was one of the first females to rise through the ranks during a time when the profession was male-dominated.
Here's to Phyllis Fleming, a great teacher who broke ground in her beloved field.
Chip Marshall
February 23, 2011
Phyllis was one of the few remaining friends who attended our wedding, -in 1961. We were always enriched by her visits to Madison--for Ben's first day of school, his graduations, and then, on to California for his wedding. She represented the best of our generation of Iowans, wherever we ended up. She is greatly missed already, and will remain a part of our family memory the rest of our days.
Elwyn and Evelyn Weible
February 23, 2011
Phyllis and I, as well as our other roommates, Roxie and Mary Alice met during freshman orientation week at the University of Iowa in September, 1952, and we have been friends ever since. I spent 6 interesting months with her in Billings, Montana when she was working for the Billings Gazette. Phyllis left Billings to join the staff of the Cedar Rapids Gazette. I visted her often in Cedar Rapids - she visited me in Washington, DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Richmond, Virginia. What wonderful memories. Our 58+ years of friendship is one of the most precious things in my life.
Beth Howard
February 22, 2011
We first met Phyllis when I was hired by The Gazette in 1963. She quickly became not only a valued coworker, but a great friend to the entire Sullivan family. Over the last nearly 50 years, we've shared many experiences with Phyl, not the least of which was our junket to Pasadena many years ago for the Rose Bowl. The Hawks finished second, but the entire experiences was irreplaceable, We never had the pleasure of getting acquainted with Phyl's family, but we want all of them to know how important she was to all of us. She'll be missed for so many reasons.
Aggie & Ken Sullivan
February 21, 2011
I met Phyllis when we were on the 15:5 Riverfront Development Committee. She was a kind generous soul who was a lady through and through. Sorry I won't be there to attend her memorial; but she is in my thoughts.
Mary Alice Dias
February 21, 2011