Phyllis Allen Petersen

Phyllis Allen Petersen was born on May 13, 1926 in Havana, Cuba to Phillip Allen and Dorothy Waldon. When she was 15, she left Cuba for Manhattan with her mother and sister, Patricia Robertson. On arrival in New York, Phyllis and her sister began singing professionally.

Phyllis attended Hunter College where she received a Bachelors Degree. She continued her musical and vocal studies while working for 9 years in a Doctor’s office. In 1957, Phyllis left for Europe to pursue an Opera career. In 1960, she met her future husband, Robert Petersen. They married in Biel, Switzerland in 1962. Bob and Phyllis returned to the U.S. in 1967 and toured for two years with the American Opera Company, directed by Sarah Caldwell. In 1969, Bob and Phyllis moved to Los Angeles and then subsequently moved to Seattle in 1971, where she began her teaching career. Phyllis taught at Cornish College of the Arts and Shoreline Community College, and then exclusively gave private vocal instruction at her home. Her teaching ability was enhanced by her ability to speak five languages fluently. Phyllis died on November 24th, 2010, with her beloved husband by her side. She is survived by a host of students. A Funeral Mass will be held on January 3rd at 11 am, at St. Monica Catholic Church on Mercer Island. There will be a Rosary at 10 a.m.

445305