Phyllis Jeananne Doyle

The gale-force wind that was Pj Doyle quieted to a whisper on Friday, October 2.

Born Phyllis Jeananne Coburn on January 31, 1946, Pj developed her outgoing personality while growing up in Iowa before graduating from Des Moines Technical High School. She continued her education, earning degrees from Macalester College and Metropolitan State University.

For thirty-five years, she nurtured her giving spirit by serving as a steady presence for volunteers and communities through her disaster response efforts, helping reconnect families, and mentoring others during her time with the American Red Cross. She was honored for those efforts earlier this year when she received the Presidential Award for Excellence.

In 1964, she moved to Minnesota, where she built a life of creativity and generosity. Her many pursuits included time with the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners, an appearance as an extra in the film Airport, and co-founding the Mixed Blood Theater, later serving as their Managing Director and on their Board. Pj also served on the Parish Council at her church. Minneapolis served as the homebase, where she cared for her numerous, cherished rescue animals and from which she traveled on her many adventures.

Often, her journeys led her to gatherings of the Sherlock Holmes fandom as part of the Baker Street Irregulars, where Pj connected with fellow literary enthusiasts. For many years, she cultivated that passion through her membership in the Norwegian Explorers of Minnesota and in editing "The Baker Street Dozen." Among her other accolades, Pj was a proud member and past President of the Minnesota Writer's Workshop and was involved in the Beacon Society. Pj also published two mysteries in England, authored multiple award-winning volumes of poetry, and served on the board of the National Federation of Poets.

She treasured her family and built lasting relationships not only with her siblings but also with her nieces and nephews, the family of friends she created in the Twin Cities, and her fellow Sherlockians near and far.

Pj was preceded in death by her parents John and Dorothy Coburn, her sister Pat Zuck and her brother-in-law Howard Zuck, her brother Jack Coburn, and her nieces Tammy Zuck and Rose Mettler as well as Rose's husband Bob Mettler. Those left to remember her fondly include her nephew Terry Zuck, his wife Connie and their children, Trevor and Amanda (Mike); her niece Suzanne Van Veen, her husband Kevin, and their children Alec (Paige) and Jack; her nephew Michael Coburn, his wife Kristina, and their children Cody and Dylan; her niece Diana Coburn and her children Ella, Sadie, and Tessa; and Rose and Bob's daughter Bobbie (Chad).

A Celebration of Life will be held October 21, 2026 at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church (4537 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minnesota) with visitation at 10 A.M., the services at 11 A.M., and a luncheon to follow at the church after the services. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Saint Joan of Arc or to the American Red Cross.