Phyllis Brettell Kaiser

Phyllis Jeanne Brettell Kaiser 

March 11, 1930 – 2/16/2025

Phyllis Kaiser passed away peacefully in the arms of her devoted husband of nearly 71 years, Ronald Lee Kaiser. Her life was a testament to service, learning, resilience, a zest for life and an unyielding love for family. Born on March 11, 1930, in New Rochelle, New York, she was the second child of Blanche and Clinton Brettell. Her parents and brother, C. Robert Brettell, shaped her early years with a spirit of independence, curiosity and exploration. She spent her childhood in New Rochelle before moving to Miami Beach, where she graduated from St. Patrick’s Catholic High School. A natural scholar and athlete, Phyllis was a member of the Honor Society and played on the high school basketball team. Phyllis pursued higher education at Rollins College, where she majored in Spanish and French, captained the waterski team, and cultivated a passion for adventure. Her love for waterskiing led to a remarkable career—she became the Florida State Waterski Champion, and 4th in the US, doing jumping, slalom and tricks, skied at world-renowned Cyprus Gardens, and even appeared in the movie “Easy to Love,’ starring Esther Williams and Van Johnson. Her intrepid spirit carried her through a diverse career: equestrian instructor, waterski school director, stewardess, professional water skier and Aquamaid at Cypress Gardens, teacher, and entrepreneur, founder of a temp agency tapping the talents and skills of stay-at-home moms. Phyllis shared a deep bond with her brother Rob, who was not only her mentor in waterskiing but also her partner in countless escapades—together, they’d sit on docks, asking passing boats for a chance to ski, always eager to perform. Her zest for life took her across the globe, from biking through the châteaux of the Loire Valley in France to visiting Alaska, Australia, and New Zealand- always making new friends along the way. She took great joy in traveling to her favorite city, Paris, sharing the magic of the city with her daughters. Well into her 40s, she took on the challenge of learning to snow ski, always proving that trying new things has no age limit. She liked to say that she learned a new skill every decade of her life, including wakeboarding in her 70’s. 

She was a fighter, battling cancer and beating it 3 times. She was a true survivor. 

She was deeply in tune with others, anxious to hear and understand their stories. She truly made connections everywhere she went. Beyond her many accomplishments, Phyllis was most proud of her role as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. They were her deepest and truest friends. She is survived by her beloved husband Ronald, who adored her; daughters Janet Williams (Evertt), Sandi Kaiser, and Wendy Kaiser (Chris Fesuk); grandchildren Kristen Walker (Cortney), Beth Schellhous (Reid), Rachel Bailey (Chris), and Russell Williams; and eleven great-grandchildren: Ben, Emily, and Annie Walker; Lily, Jacob, Matthew, and Noah Schellhous; James, Sam, Henry, and Rex Bailey. Her legacy is one of strength, passion, and joy—one lived on the water, in the skies, across continents, and always with those she loved most. Phyllis embraced every opportunity with grace and courage, leaving behind an extraordinary story that will be cherished by all who knew her. She scattered sunshine everywhere she went. Her life was a beautiful ride—one filled with connection, laughter, and love. May her spirit continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

 A private celebration of her life was held by her family. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a charity of choice in her honor.