Age 90
A devoted Sister of Mercy whose life was marked by faith, compassion, and steadfast service to others, Sister Phyllis touched the lives and hearts of many.
From a young age, Phyllis felt a call to religious life and a deep desire to become a Sister of Mercy. But her dream was delayed because she married and became a mother, a role that she cherished. The death of her six-year-old daughter Jennifer, was a heartbreak that shaped much of Phyllis’s spiritual journey, deepening her reliance on God’s mercy and grace.
As a lay person, she honorably served in the Navy Reserves for four years then worked in various roles including positions with a Chevrolet dealership, Sears, and as a purchasing manager at the Newark Star-Ledger, a local newspaper. Eventually she divorced her husband and had their marriage annulled.
As a Sister of Mercy she served in various roles, including as secretary at Mount Saint Mary Academy and as business manager at McAuley Hall Health Care Center, both in Watchung, New Jersey. Her most impactful ministry was at Tioga County Rural Ministry in Owego, New York, where she served first as vice president for six years and then as director for 12 years. There, she became a visible sign of mercy and hope for those in need advocating tirelessly for the poor and marginalized. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, she was named the 2008-2009 Woman of the Year by the Owego Lions Club.
Beyond her many commitments, she found joy in travel, tennis, and her Irish heritage which remained a cherished part of her life.