Phyllis Alexine Cluskey

Phyllis Cluskey, born November 24, 1925, passed away Friday, September 22, at the age of 97. Married to Dr. Donald Cluskey, La Mesa Ophthalmologist, for 60 years, she devoted much of her life to helping those with needs. She is the daughter of Phillip and Rose Gadbois of Kankakee Illinois. Phyllis graduated from Chicago’s Saint Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing in 1946. She met Donald while he attended Northwestern University Medical School, and married. Their beloved Michael was their only child, born in 1950 with a congenital disorder which required constant care. The family relocated to Fletcher Hills, La Mesa, in the late 1950s to raise beloved Michael. Michael passed in 1976, prompting Phyllis to begin volunteer work. She is recognized at Grossmont Hospital with an honorary plaque for nearly 26-thousand hours of volunteer service. Phyllis was a gift. She was joyful and full of life and laughter. She loved visits from her extended family in Colorado. Her door was always open to Fletcher Drive neighbors and friends. Her joys included the daily paper, watching professional golf and The Big Band Theory on TV, and regaling stories. Her birthdays brought multitudes together to celebration each passing year. Phyllis, time resident of Fletcher Hills, 30 year volunteer for Grossmont Hospital Auxiliary, beloved matriarch of Fernwood Drive, with her smile, laughter, and love, will be missed.

Phyllis is survived by her sister Mary Arseneau of Denver, CO, one niece and ten nephews. In addition to her husband Donald and son Michael, she is preceded in death by her brothers Phillip Gadbois of Birmingham, AL and Claude Gadbois of San Francisco.

A memorial mass will be held Friday, October 20 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel at Holy Cross Cemetery, San Diego. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in El Cajon, Sharp Grossmont Hospital Foundation, or United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County.

A funeral service for Phyllis will be held Friday, October 20, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Holy Cross Mausoleum Chapel, 4470 Hilltop Dr., San Diego, CA 92102. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 2:15 PM to 2:45 PM at Holy Cross Mausoleum, 4470 Hilltop Dr., San Diego, CA 92102.