Phyllis A Howard

Phyllis Wieczorek Howard, beloved mother, mother-in-law, sister and aunt, entered into eternal rest on July 1. She was welcomed into this world on November 11, 1926 by her loving parents Katherine and John Wieczorek. She was pre-deceased by four wonderful siblings: her brothers Charles Wieczorek and Chester Wieczorek and her sisters Helen Roode and Sally Klaus. She was married for 67 years to her life companion, Thomas J. Howard, Jr., who also pre-deceased her. She is survived by family members whom she dearly cherished: her sister Laura Wisniewski of Preston, CT, her son Mark Howard of Pennsylvania and her daughter Janice Howard and son-in-law John Vitello of Cheshire, CT.

In 1936 as a precocious ten year old, she was employed by her uncle Albert Jablonski in his corner store which had a full assortment of candy and ice cream. In an early display of what would become a lifelong trademark for Phyllis, she was especially sensitive and kind to less fortunate individuals. She would be sure to make the ice cream cones for those kids extra-large and perhaps just forget to charge them. She also would give candy to friends and to those who could not afford it. Unbeknownst to Officer Mulrooney, the beat cop, she was actually the lookout for the illegal gambling which was taking place in the back room. Her swiftness of mind and foot saved many a man time in the pokey.

Upon marriage, she and Tom moved to Florida where he had secured employment with the airlines. Phyllis worked as a hotel operator at The Breakers, the classiest establishment of its day. She had many a colorful tale about the conversations of celebrities and politicians and it is a good thing that she was properly discreet in her duties. They returned to Connecticut and she worked as executive assistant to the owner of the Atlantic Carton Company. She took a break to begin her most important role as ncredible mom to Mark and Janice. When they were old enough, she began her next career at the John Meyer Clothing Company in Norwich, which supplied all the major department stores. She was the lead customer service representative and worked closely with the New York Office and buyers throughout the country. She became the manager of the Sweater Division for a number of years before she retired.

The accomplishment that she was most proud of, after the birth and nurturing of her children, is that she was a volunteer in the gift shop at Backus Hospital in Norwich for 54 years where she logged over

2,600 hours. She remained a member of the Backus Hospital Auxiliary for her entire life. She was the primary fundraiser for St. Peter & Paul Church in Norwich for many years. She also canvassed

the neighborhood often to help raise funds for numerous charities.

Phyllis and Tom visited Mark many times when he was living in Los Angeles. She met and mingled with numerous Hollywood A-List Celebrities at various theatrical productions, television shows, parties and movie star functions.

Phyllis was an avid reader and she enjoyed going to the movies, most often with her best friend of over seventy five years, Anna Mageski. She was known throughout the area as having impeccable style. The

term most often expressed when others saw her was "elegant". She was always classily dressed and was the official fashion consultant for her entire extended family. She taught her children well and

Mark and Janice carry on her legacy of stylish fashion sense to this day. Her love of dancing was eclipsed only by her love of the action at the casinos. Suffice it to say that she enjoyed the excitement of a

number of jackpots but over the years has probably made more deposits than withdrawals. Phyllis was a devoted wife and mother who always put her family first. Whether in daily life or on their many family vacations, her primary concern was the safety and enjoyment of her children. She truly lived an exemplary and remarkable life. Her selfless giving of boundless love and support to her family and friends will leave a vast void in all of our lives.

Visitation will be held Saturday, July 7, 2018 from 9am – 10:30am at Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich, CT with procession to a Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT. Burial will immediately follow at Comstock Cemetery, Depot Rd., Uncasville, CT.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made

to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.