NEW BERLIN – Philemena (Phyllis) Janet Tufts, 71, of McGraw and most recently of New Berlin, went to be with the Lord on Saturday evening, Nov. 3, 2012 at the Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown.
Phyllis was born on Oct. 3, 1941 in Utica, the daughter of Rocco and Norma Bice Lauria. She grew up in Edmeston and New Berlin areas and in her late teens moved with her family to Norwich. Over the years she has worked for Contel, the Driftwood Diner, Wal-Mart and Head Start in the Norwich and Cortland area. She has spent the past 15 years in the Cortland area, where she worked as a Nutritional Assistant for the Cortland County Head Start from which she took early retirement. Following her retirement she spent much time with her family, friends and devoted her life to her faith in the Lord.
Above all, Phyllis was the most loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother anyone could have ever had, she was so proud and strong for her family and always so loving, caring and giving.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Sheila M. Jenne and husband Joseph of McGraw, Timothy R. Guinn and wife Annette of Norwich, Marlene R. Chin and husband Greg of Jackson, NJ, Rhonda L. Wehner and husband Bryce of Little York, Kenneth S. Guinn and wife Brandi, of Cincinnatus, Ann M. Phillips and husband Michael of McGraw, 23 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. Also surviving is her brother Rocco Lauria and wife Louise, sisters Doris Gould and husband Stuart, Delores Maxson and husband Robert along with several nieces and nephews.
Phyllis was predeceased by her husband Harold and her parents Rocco and Norma Lauria.
A funeral service for Phyllis will be held at 1 p.m. Friday from the First Baptist Church of Norwich. Ryan Eddy, Associate Pastor of the Sherman Bible Chapel of Deposit and Pastor Mark Fazio, Pastor of the Grace Sovereign Grace Community Church of Norwich, will officiate. Interment will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Friends may call at the First Baptist Church on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The family would like to thank Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown for their care and support.
Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.