Phyllis W. Townsend, 95, of Bowling Green, Ohio, passed away on December 9, 2025. Born on July 27, 1930, to Edwin and Estelle (Klimkiewicz) Laskowski in Chicago, Illinois.
On August 16, 1958, she married the love of her life, Ralph Townsend. After their marriage, the couple traveled across the country, moving from Illinois, where Phyllis taught home economics, to Santa Clara, California. There, both continued their careers in education, with Ralph working at San Jose State University and Phyllis teaching in the Santa Clara School District. A few years later, a longtime friend and fellow classmate of Ralph’s suggested he apply to BGSU, and the couple returned to the Midwest. Phyllis then worked in the undergraduate and graduate registration offices at Bowling Green State University.
Phyllis loved to travel, both in the United States and internationally. She cherished hosting family and friends at their home, spending winters in Florida, enjoying the summer cottage in Michigan, and nurturing her beloved flower gardens. Phyllis was also a devoted sports fan, and enjoyed watching tennis, NASCAR racing, hockey, and football.
She is survived by her children, Bruce Townsend of Farmington Hills, MI; her daughter, Eileen (Mike) Jarosz of Waukesha, WI; and her granddaughter, Jacqueline (Ryan) Martini of Miamisburg, OH.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Townsend.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home in Bowling Green.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the family, please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
