Phyllis Brien, age 83, of Belcourt, ND passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at Quentin Burdick Memorial Hospital, Belcourt, ND.

Phyllis Ann Brien was born on June 7, 1941 in Wolf Point, Montana to Edward and Caroline (Brunelle) DeCoteau.  She was raised in Belcourt, ND and completed her education there as well.  Phyllis furthered her education at Turtle Mountain Community College in Belcourt.  She was united in marriage to Dalbert Brien on December 30, 1963 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Belcourt.  Together they had four children, Pamela, Gail, Dale, and Cindy.  Phyllis worked at Turtle Mountain Elementary School as an education tech for over 35 years until retiring.  She enjoyed spending time working on arts and crafts, incorporating flowers, which were her favorite, sewing quilts, and playing cards with family and friends.  She was blessed with a large family growing up, singing and playing music together, telling stories, playing cards, and passed these gifts and traditions to her own family.  Phyllis loved spending time with her family members and following her grandchildren in their sporting adventures, one of their biggest fans.  She was active throughout her life, participating in volleyball, a member of the St. Ann's church choir, and the many activities around her throughout the years.  She will be forever missed and lovingly remembered.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Dalbert Brien of Belcourt; daughters, Pamela (Jack) LaVallie of Belcourt and Gail (Kelly) Parisien of Belcourt; nine grandchildren, Edward LaVallie, Cherish LaVallie, Caz Brien, Seth Brien, Hannah Brien, Julius Brien, Zena (Austin) Parisien, Zayne Parisien, and Zavier Parisien; six great grandchildren, Ilea Trottier, Ian LaVallie, Emmylynn LaVallie, Zailyn Poitra, Zyer Poitra, and Rome Parisien; great great grandchild, Taven Short; siblings, Robert (Andrea) DeCoteau of Belcourt, Steven DeCoteau of Belcourt, Linda Decoteau of Belcourt, Claudia DeLong of Belcourt, Wanda DeCoteau of St. John, and Wallace (Roberta) DeCoteau of Belcourt; and many nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Caroline DeCoteau, son, Dale William Brien, daughter, Cindy Kay Colleen Brien, brothers, Louis, Vincent, Gregory, Glenn, and Troy DeCoteau, sisters, Carol Rose Grant, Marla DeCoteau, and Gladys DeCoteau, grandchildren, Zachery Parisien, Isacc LaVallie, Baby Blackwell, Jacenta Brien, and Jesus Brien, and grandparents, Louis and Mary Brunelle and Andrew and Mary DeCoteau.

Casket Bearers are Wallace DeCoteau, Edward LaVallie, Caz Brien, Seth Brien, Julius Brien, and Zavier Parisien.  Honorary Bearers are Robert DeCoteau, Steve DeCoteau, Zayne Parisien, Ian LaVallie, Zyer Poitra, and Rome Parisien. Eucharistic gifts by Pamela LaVallie and Gail Parisien. Readers are Roberta DeCoteau and Susan Delorme. Eulogy by Stephanie DeCoteau. Music by Patty Allery.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with visitation beginning at 8:00 AM and Rosary Service/Eulogy at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass.  Burial will follow in St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND. Father Michael Slovak presiding.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.