Phyllis Jean Mallalieu

Palmer-Phyllis Jean (Tait) Mallalieu died at home on Sunday, August 25, 2024 with her devoted children by her side. Born on December 14, 1937, to Phillip R. Tait and Violet E. (Anderson) Tait. Predeceased by her step-mother Edna (Anderson) Tait; her sister Patricia Hanscom and her husband Clinton; her brother David Tait III and his wife Sandra; by her two baby boys that she lovingly named Robin and Colin; and by her two sons Derek A. Mallalieu and Scott D. Mallalieu.

She is survived by her sister Lillias Surprenant of Indiana; her ex-husband David H. Mallalieu of Springfield; her son Patrick D. Mallalieu of Palmer; her daughter Stephanie M. Guyer and her husband Stephen of Hampden; her daughter Faith E. Reilly and her husband Paul of Athy, Ireland; her son Steven L. Mallalieu of East Longmeadow; her daughter Chantel M. Mallalieu of Palmer; her grandchildren Derek, Reginald, and Sean Mallalieu, Gavin and Justine Guyer, Emma, Kayla, and Tia Reilly, and Anthony and Madison Mallalieu; her nieces and nephews Christopher Hanscom, Darlene Tait, David Tait IV, and Cheyenne Camarillo; and her special friend Stephen Allen of Chicopee. 

Our mom was a devoted mom to everyone. Even after losing four of her own sons, her capacity to mother was unlimited and included adopted and foster children, extended family, and friends. She opened her heart and her home to anyone who needed motherly love and care. She was a graduate of Classical High School in 1955 and received her AS in Early Childhood Education from STCC in 1990 at age 53, which she used to support students at Talmadge Elementary School in Springfield. Our mom was an avid reader, especially of historical romance novels, as well as a puzzler, and her love of learning led her to be a Volunteer English Tutor at the Palmer Public Library. She loved to crochet and knit and left behind a lasting legacy of afghans and stuffed animals. She was a member of Foster Memorial Church in Springfield for many years and proudly sang in their choir. 

A special thank you to Baystate Hospice Care and the Touched by an Angel staff for their compassionate and dedicated care of our mother, with heartfelt thanks to Terry, Linda, Susan, Beth, Christine, and Kara. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Palmer Public Library.