Phyllis C. Tyler's Obituary
Phyllis Tyler, a true and dedicated daughter of Lawrence, passed away on February 26, 2026 surrounded by friends and family. Born December 16,1936 to the late Anthony Tyler & Filomena (Fascione) Tyler. She was a proud Italian-American, raised with a commitment to her Catholic faith that was matched only by her commitment to serving her neighbors and community.
As a young woman, Phyllis attended Fisher College, Northern Essex, Merrimack College, graduating with a degree in Business Administration. She worked at Arlington Trust, which was a highlight of her business career. Her attention to detail and love for numbers led her down the path of entrepreneurship, from which she became renowned as a bookkeeper to many. Soft spoken, and with uncompromising morals and ethics, Phyllis would lend her expertise to countless businesses, individuals, elected officials, and non-profit organizations throughout the Greater Lawrence area.
So renowned were her skills that she embraced the nickname affectionately bestowed upon her: “The Money Lady”. It was a nickname earned in her various roles, formerly serving as Treasurer to nearly countless elected officials and candidates, Treasurer of the Lawrence Democratic City Committee, and Deputy Treasurer of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee.
A staunch, lunch-bucket Democrat, Phyllis believed in the good that government could do, and more so believed in the good of her neighbors. So strong was her faith in those seeking to do good that she was an easy recruit in helping develop systems and support missions which would lead to a better, stronger community. She was the longtime Treasurer of the Colonial Heights Neighborhood Association, formerly served as President and Treasurer of the Bread and Roses Heritage Committee, and chair of Lawrence's Bicentennial Commission. She worked closely with Jericho Road to help foster the next generation of local non-profits, mentoring and guiding community organizations to build sound record keeping systems. Phyllis, with a love for her community’s culture and history, understood that its preservation depended on the nurturing of its future.
Her passion and love for her city drove Phyllis to be a founding member of the Immigrant City Archives, a member of the Lawrence History Center, Greater Lawrence Choral Society, Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, a founding member of the Robert Frost Foundation, and a founder and tireless lifetime supporter of the Friends of the Lawrence Public Library. Phyllis was never an idle participant. When she joined a group, she did so with purpose. All the while employing sharp wit, respect, kindness, intelligence, and an unyielding class. In 2007, the Lawrence Democratic City Committee recognized her as Lawrence Democrat of the Year. In 2015, she was recognized with the Bread and Roses Hall of Fame award.
She leaves behind many, many dear friends, so many of whom continue to carry on the mantle of community service, with hopes to live up to the standard Phyllis so graciously set. Phyllis, who was known affectionately as “Cousin” by her large network of relatives, was particularly embraced by her cousin, Dottie Peters as well as Dottie’s children: Laura Lee Loftus (Jack), George A. Peters, Jr (JoAnne), Susanne Valliere (Bill), and all of their children and grandchildren.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA. Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Saint Augustine Chapel, 128 Ames Street, Lawrence, MA. Burial will follow in the Bellevue Cemetery in Lawrence, MA. Donations may be made to a Charity of One's Choice. For online condolences and other information please visit us at https://www.breenfuneralhome.com.
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