Phyllis Ann Oldani

Phyllis Ann Oldani, age 99, passed away on July 24, 2025 in St. Louis at Clarendale Clayton Assisted Living. Her life force and will to live were truly incredible. She was surrounded by her loving family, especially her ever present and devoted sister, Antoinette “Annie” Giacalone, with whom in recent years Phyllis depended upon greatly.

Annie has not only been her lifelong companion and best friend, but Phyllis’s daily lifeline for the past decade. While the sisters could not be more different, they complemented each other very well, making parts into “the whole cannoli!” Their resilience, compassion, generosity, love and legacies will live on in the lives of those they have touched.

To so many, Phyllis really was The Best! Her kindness, immense love and her actions remain with us; and the memories will continue to ripple through our lives, and the lives of others we impact, as we share the sweetness and joy that she shared so freely.

Born on June 11, 1926, in St. Louis, Missouri, Phyllis lived her sweet, loving spirit through compassion, acceptance, service and kindness to all. Though there will be no formal Catholic funeral, Phyllis was a woman whose life reflected the values of benevolence and gentleness to others.

Phyllis thrived on working as a tailor for over 60 years. She made many social connections as a result, and this provided meaningful connections with people throughout her life. Besides her care, love and devotion to her family, her personal passion and joy was sewing. She often said, “I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t sew!” Phyllis always helped others in anyway that she could through quiet acts of generosity.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Louis Oldani and her parents, Salvatore and Frances Giacalone. She is survived by her children, Phyllis Siekmann and John Oldani (Michelle); her grandchildren, Rachel Montemayor (Joshua), Alexandra Oldani (Ian Sperry) and Sam Oldani (Aly); her great-grandchildren, Avery Grace, Ryan Andrew and Luke Samuel. Phyllis is also survived by her beloved sister, Antoinette “Annie” Giacalone (who lived with and cared for her for many years); nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Nicholas Giacalone (Antonina) and her sister, Katherine Frazzetta (Jasper). Special acknowledgments to her nephew, Joe Frazzetta (Olivia) and their immediate family; her niece and Goddaughter, Rose Marie Pequignot (Alan), and our dear friend and neighbor, Pam Klueter, who have loved and supported both Phyllis and her sister, Annie.

The family would like to thank Donna Gauvain, RN with BJC Hospice and the nurses and staff at Clarendale Clayton Assisted Living for taking excellent care of Phyllis, particularly during her final weeks.

Phyllis will be cremated and laid to rest with her husband, along with the Oldani Family at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery. A private service will be held for the immediate family.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Missouri Chapter or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.