Phyllis Dunn Rossi

Rossi, Phyllis Dunn, 90, of Richmond, VA claimed the promise of her Lord and Savior and was called home on her favorite day of the Sabbath, June 1, 2025. Although she spent over 45 years in Hanover County, she was grateful to call Westminster Canterbury home for 10.5 years.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 41 years, Mario Rossi, Jr; by her parents, William Albert Dunn, Sadie Dunn Gravitte, and her stepfather Arthur C. Gravitte. She was the last remaining sibling and the baby of 14. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Lisa Pilar Rossi, stepsons John Howe and Michael Howe (Jennifer). Special mention of her grand-dog, Louis, whom she enjoyed spoiling.

Phyllis was born in Roxboro, N.C. and moved to Richmond to attend college, receiving her BS in Secondary Education at Old Dominion University and later, her graduate degree at Virginia Commonwealth University. After working at various schools, she was thrilled to be employed at Douglas S. Freeman High School as a Business Education teacher, and she started the Corporate Office Education Program there. She loved her students and career, but her greatest blessing was leaving teaching to become a full-time mama when Lisa Pilar was born. She attended every school activity and enjoyed being involved in every facet of her daughter’s life. She was the best role model a daughter could ask for, truly living the life of a “Proverbs 31” woman. She always ended every phone call with, “I love you to the moon and back.”

She was a class act with an immovable faith and a zest for life. Her true beauty was her sweet nature and positive outlook. Even while living with incurable cancer for over a year, she “flew above the turbulence” and was intentionally hopeful, walking with her Savior. She loved the Outer Banks, and that feeling of being romanced by God’s love via the ocean was lovingly passed on to her daughter.

Following a private Entombment in the Hillside Mausoleum at Greenwood Memorial Gardens on Wednesday, June 11 at 10 a.m., a celebration of life will be held at the Spiritual Center at Westminster Canterbury at 2 p.m. followed by a reception onsite. A fitting day as Phyllis loved a full moon, as does her daughter.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Hanover Humane Society or the Alzheimer's Society Greater Richmond Chapter.