Phyllis S. Whittier

Obituary of Phyllis S. Whittier Phyllis S. Whittier, 96, passed away peacefully at her home on September 1, 2020 with her loving family by her side. Born July 26, 1924 in Kendall, New York, Phyllis was the daughter of the late Geoffrey and Mary Symonds. She grew up in Kendall and was a graduate of Kendall Central Schools having earned the honor of Valedictorian. She married Hiel E. Whittier on February 4, 1945, and together they raised three sons, Geoffrey L., David H., and Hylan R. Whittier. Phyllis was a very loving and devoted wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She was very proud of her sons and their families as well as their many accomplishments. In so many ways, Phyllis was ahead of her time. She was open-minded, accepting, and loved all people. Phyllis was a gifted musician playing piano, accordion, guitar, Hawaiin guitar and singing beautifully. She was an extremely talented self-taught artist. She excelled at counted cross stitch, knitting, crocheting, painting, sewing, calligraphy, and drawing. She loved to play games and cards. An avid reader, Phyllis kept record of every book she read, and she also scored each book. She had a tremendous sense of humor and created her “Chuckle Books.” These notebooks were filled with jokes, cute pictures, sayings, quotes, newspaper articles, and other items that filled her with joy. Every time she found something that “tickled” her, she would clip it out and paste it in her latest Chuckle Book. Phyllis kept a diary for nearly all of her adult life. She was a very bright and witty woman who shared many sayings, jokes, and stories with her family and friends. She LOVED babies, baby dolls, and children. To add to her list of accomplishments, when Kendall, NY was celebrating their Sesquicentennial Anniversary, Phyllis researched and wrote the history of the town along with her mother, Mary Symonds. Phyllis was a wonderful cook and baker. She made many beautiful birthday desserts and cakes for her children and grandchildren. She also coordinated and illustrated a family cookbook filled with recipes that her family and friends still enjoy and treasure. Being extremely organized was one of Phyllis’ many talents. She meticulously labeled everything…even the hangers where she hung her clothes! Her handwriting was beautiful, and while she always joked that she could not spell, every letter, word and sentence she wrote displayed her perfect penmanship. Phyllis was a very active woman who loved to travel, garden, and exercise. She and her husband Hiel and their children took many trips with their travel trailer all across the United States. She reveled in nature’s beauty, and she always found something good in every situation. She loved to swim, square dance, ride bicycles, walk, and she even taught her granddaughter how to stand on her head! She was riding bicycle and walking on the treadmill up until her 95th birthday. Phyllis worked briefly at Kodak and also at Kendall Elementary School where she was a teaching assistant. The children and staff all loved her and her sweet and caring demeanor. When she and her husband Hiel retired, they moved to Florida where they lived until Hiel passed away. Later she moved in with her son Hylan who lovingly cared for her. Together they lived in Florida, North Carolina and most recently Medina, New York. Phyllis was predeceased by her parents and brothers Victor, David and Willard Symonds; her husband Hiel E. Whittier (1995), her son David H. Whittier (1989), her son Geoffrey L. Whittier (2020), and her grandson Scott Whittier (2012). She leaves behind a grateful and blessed family including her beloved son and caregiver Hylan R. Whittier; Brother Brian (Donna) Symonds; Daughters-in-law, Connie (David) Whittier and Joan (Geoffrey) Whittier; Grandchildren Kellie (Ron) Spychalski, Thad (Kim) Whittier, Kevin (Sarah) Whittier, and Rene Whittier; Great grandchildren Dave (Doug Weyand) and Dan Spychalski, Paige and Thad Whittier, Taylor (Melanie Huey) and Shawn Whittier, Brayden and Sawyer Whittier, Travis and Jenna Sietmann; and, Great-great granddaughter Rayleigh Whittier; many nieces, nephews, and special friends. During the last year of her life, Phyllis was under the care of Hospice of Orleans, Inc. Her family would like to thank everyone at Hospice for the love, humor, and terrific care that they gave Phyllis. They would like to especially recognize and thank Home Health Aide Flo Johnston and RN Alissa Anderson for everything they did to help Phyllis and her family. Their kindness, caring, and expertise made a tremendous difference in Phyllis' life, and she truly loved them both. Family and friends are invited to attend Phyllis’ graveside service on Friday, September 11, 2020 at 2:00 pm at Sandy Creek Cemetery, Murray, New York. The Rev. Aleka Schmidt will preside. Following the service, family and friends will gather to eat, laugh and share memories of Phyllis at Kellie & Ron Spychalski’s home. Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Orleans, Inc. PO Box 489, Albion, NY 14411 in lieu of flowers.