Phyllis Jeanne Becker-Best

Phyllis Jeanne Becker-Best, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, was born on June 5, 1948, in Rockville Centre, New York. After a life rich with love, kindness, and generosity, she passed away on December 25, 2025.

Throughout her years, Phyllis called many places home, including Merrick, New York; Anchorage, Alaska; Burlington, Connecticut; Memphis, Tennessee; Palm Harbor, Florida; and everywhere her kids were. Phyllis was the cherished daughter of Theodore and Evelyn Becker, both of whom predeceased her.

Phyllis treasured holidays spent with family, filled with storytelling, laughter, and warmth. She loved sitting by the lake and enjoyed pool days with her friends, cherishing moments of current event debates and connection. She spoke to her children every single day and was the center of their worlds, a constant source of love and support. She was a loving friend, sister, aunt, and godmother, but her most treasured and exceptional role was that of a Mom and Mema. She poured her heart into nurturing her children and grandchildren, creating bonds of love and warmth that will forever be remembered, shaping the fabric of who they are and who they will be.

Known for her kindness and generosity, Phyllis had a unique gift for making everyone feel loved and valued. She was passionate about healthcare equality, believing deeply that all people deserve equal treatment and access to care. Her thoughtful nature shone through in the personalized "I love you" gifts she gave and the birthday cards she sent, each adorned with stickers and meaningful pictures. Phyllis was always eager to cook and enjoyed feeding the body while nourishing the soul. Her meals were more than food; they were expressions of love and care, they were home. She was also funny and silly and the perfect person to have on an adventure. Growing up she followed the Beatles screaming at Shea Stadium and as an adult she danced and sang with her grandchildren every chance she had. Phyllis’ wish for this world was peace and love and the family requests we all keep this golden rule close to our hearts in her memory. Please try to do onto others as you would have done onto you and embrace love and peace at every opportunity.

She is lovingly survived by her son Jared Best; daughter Sarah Best and her husband Ethan; grandchildren Austin Young, Felicity Best, Teddy Best, and Alexandra Best; sister Teresa Chiovaro and her husband Gerard; nieces and nephews Janis DaCosta, Daniel Brucker and his wife Jennifer, Michael Chiovaro, and Joey Chiovaro and his wife Abby; and grand nieces and nephews David Chiovaro, Aidan DaCosta, Julia DaCosta, Alex Brucker, Kate Brucker, Avery Chiovaro and James Brucker. Phyllis is predeceased by her eldest daughter Alexis Best. The family finds comfort in knowing that Phyllis is reunited with Alexis, their bond eternal and their spirits together once more.

In lieu of flowers, as Phyllis did not care for them, the family kindly requests that memorial gifts be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, honoring her legacy of love, generosity, and dedication to helping others. Phyllis held a deep passion for the work done at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a connection made even more profound through her daughter Alexis’ time there. Phyllis was with her daughter every day, every hour, every moment of Alexis’ battle with cancer and this was the most profound example of her endless devotion to her children. This cause was close to her heart, reflecting her lifelong commitment to healthcare, equality, and compassion.

A burial service will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 1:00pm at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774. A Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.

https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Memorials/Memorials?pg=personal&px=9108104&fr_id=154020

https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html