Write a commentPhyllis Ruth Hutchins Goldthwait, 74, passed away peacefully, at her daughter's home in Oswego, with her daughters by her side, on Friday, October 9, 2020.
She was born in Syracuse, daughter of the late Ruth Helen (Sullivan) Hutchins and Hubert Gillette Hutchins.
Phyllis worked as a homemaker and mother, along with other various employment and later, earned her Medical Assistant Degree and Phlebotomy Certification. She was employed by Dr. Zachariah's office and then, St. Joseph's Hospital, from which she retired.
If you were lucky enough to know Phyllis, you know she was a spunky, feisty, life and love filled hugger who adored her family fiercely. She was an eager and avid fan of all events for her grandchildren- attending sporting events, dance recitals, Marching Band and Winter Guard competitions, and Band Concerts as well as all celebrations and loved the New York Yankees baseball team. Phyllis had a zest for life, good friends and food. Her favorite ice cream flavor? "Ice cream" of ANY kind. Phyllis had the "Gift of Gab" and loved to talk to anyone - even to complete strangers.
She always had a kind word or compliment for all and made friends easily. She was also especially known for her dancing, which she loved to do, anytime, anywhere. We have no doubt she is dancing with the angels now.
Phyllis was predeceased by her ex-husband, LeRoy A. Goldthwait and her companion, James Zajac, as well as by her siblings, Marilyn Filicia and Ralph Hutchins.
Phyllis is survived by her loving family: daughters Tammy (Larry) Yeager of Aurora, CO, Tracey (Jack) Reynolds of Oswego, NY, Michelle (Tracy) White of Syracuse, NY and Marilyn Rheinwald (Phillip Slocum, Jr.) of Baldwinsville, NY, as well as siblings Joyce (Jimm) Johns of Exeter, RI, and David (Simone) Moore and Daniel Moore, both of Syracuse, NY and her loving niece, Edith (Jay) Williams of Skaneateles, NY. Her grandchildren especially mourn the loss of their sweet and funny grandmother: Peter Yeager, Annie, Sarah and Jack Reynolds, Nicole Millman, Tracy White III, Jordan Pluff, Julia and Matthew Rheinwald, Gregory, Dominic and Joshua Zajac, along with many grand nieces and nephews.
Phyllis's sunny smile impacted many other lives including her special companion, Don James and longtime friends, Ruth and Butch Owen, Mary Beth Turo and Angil Hoch. She was active in her Senior Community at Simeon Dewitt, taking part in many activities, enjoying many special friendships and acquaintances and was a faithful member of the Fulton Church of the Nazarene.
A private service will be held at the Fulton Church of the Nazarene. Burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Syracuse, NY and Celebration of Life are planned for Spring 2021.
Contributions in Phyllis's name may be made to the Fulton Church of the Nazarene Building Fund, 914 Utica St., Fulton, NY 13069.
Arrangements are in care of Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, Oswego, NY.
