Phyllis was the kindest person I have ever known. Meeting her in my early 20’s, she influenced my life in countless ways. As a young girl working 4 jobs, with no time for myself, (and no cooking skills) Phyllis would often invite me to her home for dinner. The warmth and laugher that always filled her home amazed me. It was my favorite place to be. Those visits meant so much to me. I learned to cook through her patient lessons, learned how to decorate and create a home (Christmas time at the Giannizzero home rivaled the North Pole), and learned some of my most cherished parenting lessons (the best of which always centered on her adorable son,  Matthew , pretending to runaway). 

Some people are born family, some become family. Phyllis’ grace, warmth, patience, affectionate nature, compassionate heart, endless love and ever-present kindness  set the example for how I wanted to live my life. I will spend the rest of my days trying to channel the qualities learned under her benevolent mentorship. I love you  “Mommy Phyl”