Phyllis Jeanne Wlodyga

Born and raised in Detroit, Phyllis was the eldest of five children and graduated from St. David’s Catholic School. From an early age, Phyllis developed a strong bond with her maternal grandmother, a relationship she cherished deeply. One of her fondest memories was spending time with her grandmother, washing, drying, and folding baby clothes—an experience that would shape her lifelong love for nurturing.

Phyllis was born to be a mother. She always dreamed of having six children and was blessed with five. Her maternal instincts were unmatched, and her love for family was unwavering. Phyllis had a special connection to her collection of baby dolls, which she lovingly passed down to her granddaughters, creating a lasting legacy of care and affection. Whether it was holding her dolls, her own children, or her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Phyllis’ arms were always open to those she loved. She also loved to pass down her treasured heirlooms to her family during important milestones in their lives so that she could have the joy of sharing them with her family.

A devoted homemaker for many years, Phyllis cherished raising her family and ensuring they shared a strong bond of love and support. Family vacations and time spent together were vital to her, and the closeness that she nurtured between her children remains to this day. Once her oldest child was old enough to attend college, Phyllis began working as a bookkeeper and office manager at Swanson the Florist, where she served for 20 years. Her hands-on nature often extended beyond the office, as she would pitch in on the showroom floor during busy holidays.

Phyllis met her true love, Richard, while dancing—a bond that led to 65 years of marriage until his passing in 2019. Together, they were pillars of their community, deeply involved in St. Sylvester Catholic Church. Phyllis was a dedicated catechism teacher for over 20 years, a Eucharistic Minister, and a devoted coordinator of weddings at the church for more than a decade. Her commitment to young couples and her unwavering faith shaped the lives of many in their church community.

Known for her dry humor and quick wit, Phyllis was often affectionately called “Hallmark Phyllis,” a nod to her love for writing heartfelt, uplifting cards. Her thoughtful words and acts of kindness touched the lives of countless people. A talented cook and hostess, Phyllis loved to invite friends and family into her home for dinners and celebrations. She also enjoyed knitting, a hobby she passed on to her granddaughters, and spent many peaceful hours bird-watching and taking long walks. Although Phyllis and Richard enjoyed travel during their retirement years, they didn’t wait until retirement to enjoy travel together throughout the world.

Despite her courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Phyllis maintained her sense of humor and her kindness, always remaining polite and thoughtful, especially to her caregivers. Her legacy of love, devotion, and wit will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be forever missed and lovingly remembered.

Phyllis was the beloved wife of the late Richard. Loving mother of Janet (Roy) Early, Nancy (Stephen) Vella, Martha (Ralph) Puertas, Richard (Sally Sears) Wlodyga, and Mary (Michael) Frye. Cherished grandmother of David Haberer, Matthew (Brandy) Haberer, Jonathan (Traci) Haberer, Christopher (Jeffrey Boyar) Vella, Grant (Ella) Schneider, Benjamin (April) Haberer, Stephanie (Jason) Meints, Jennifer (Alex) Bissett, Kyle Wlodyga, Amy Haberer, Brianna (Tyler) Cass, Rebecca (Gabe) Campbell, Shelbie (Kevin Pulice) Frye, Adam Wlodyga, Tayler (Jake) Presson, Joshua Early, Paige Schneider, and Jacob Frye. Adored great-grandmother of Zoriana, Bentley, Jett, Blake, Reagan, Liam, Jaxson, Mila, Dylan, Nox, Mack, Ezekiel, and Gia. Dear sister of the late Louise (Richard) Ravetta, Janet (the late Don) Tevlin, and Mary (the late Frank) Bowler, and the late Roger LeComte. Predeceased by her brothers-in-law Henry Wlodyga and George Wlodyga. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

A Visitation for Phyllis will be held Monday, March 10, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road, Warren, MI 48093. She will lie In State on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the time of her Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N Adelaide St., Fenton, MI 48430. Burial to follow at 12:30 PM at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI.

Livestreaming of Phyllis' Funeral Mass provided by St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church will be available at the link provided: https://www.youtube.com/live/S1fMgP7JyYE

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 5200 Harlan, IA 51593 in memory of Phyllis.

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