Phyllis G. Phares

Born June 18, 1920 in New Castle, Nebraska
Departed September 3, 2024 in Melbourne, Florida

Phyllis G. Phares, 104, passed away peacefully in her home in Melbourne, Florida on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

Phyllis Gayle Erickson was born in New Castle, Nebraska on June 18, 1920, and was raised in nearby Omaha, Nebraska. She attended Omaha University before beginning work at Northwestern Mutual Life followed by several years of employment at IBM in Omaha. In 1947, she married Harold Phares and moved to Hollywood, Florida where they spent more than 50 years before relocating to Melbourne, Florida.

Phyllis was active in the First Presbyterian Church in Hollywood. She was also active in the Junior Women’s Club, PTA, and was past president of Sinawik Club (a Kiwanis Auxilliary). After her children left for college, she embarked on a second career in real estate. In her free time, she loved to cook, sew, play the piano, and take many, many pictures. She especially liked to play bridge and made it a lifelong habit, continuing to play until a few weeks before her death.

Phyllis Phares was preceded in death by Harold, her husband of over 61 years; her daughter Patti Stringer; two grandchildren and her brothers Chauncey and Robert Erickson. She is survived by daughters Jo Ellen Watson (husband Tom) and Mary Lynn Connor (husband John); son Hal (wife Gia); five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Fountains of Melbourne on Thursday, September 12, 2024 at 11 a.m.