World traveller, teacher, wife, mother, sister and friend to many, Phyllis Tezer passed away peacefully on October 29th, 2018. Born Phyllis Jean Smith on September 17, 1933 in Detroit, she attended Wellesley College, and after her graduation followed the suggestion of a friend to go to Turkey to teach English at Robert College in Istanbul. There she met Chafer Tezer, with whom she would share 62 years of marriage. She had a natural gift for languages, and pursued writing as a hobby, publishing some of her stories in juvenile fiction magazines. While in Tehran, she transitioned from teaching at the American School to working as an advocate for teachers on the school board, eventually becoming chairman. After living around the world, in Turkey, Iran, Italy and Switzerland, she and Chafer made Dana Point their home for 37 years, retiring from the IRS in 1997. Generous and hospitable, she organized the family’s Thanksgiving celebrations, which were legendary, and welcomed family and friends alike. She was always ready for a good laugh and a good meal shared with the people she cared about.

She is survived by her husband Chafer, her sons Jeff and Tim, daughters-in-law Laura and Michele, her brother Fred, and many others who loved her and will miss her greatly.