Phyllis Nadine Felix

FELIX, Phyllis Nadine Phyllis Felix (also known as Phyl, Gramma, and other words of affection) was our "rock" - the center of our family. Nothing meant more to her than being with her family and close friends. She met her beloved David when they were both teachers in Columbia City, IN. On their first date, David proclaimed that one day he would marry her! After 63 years of marriage, they still appreciated the love and happiness of being together. They supported each other -without always agreeing- through decisions like purchasing a lot directly on the Gulf of Mexico in the early 1970s for $14,000 (though Phyl gasped that it cost nearly as much as the house they were currently living in). For many years, cocktail hour started promptly at 6 pm, and all the events of the day were shared with each other at that time. Traveling to Maine and out West became limited in recent years, but produced wonderful memories. No place compared to life at home, though, with the beautiful sunsets each night off the Gulf and with kids and grandkids living nearby. Phyl and daughter, Beth, were best friends. Their interests were similar - they loved gardening, going to art shows, shopping, and sharing time together. Her favorite shops were not the large department stores, but the smaller specialty stores they found together - the ones that would know her by name. Phyl's son, Dave Jr, always made her laugh. They had a very special bond and appreciation of each other. They did fun things together - taking rides on the golf cart, watching home-made videos of the family, and purchasing perhaps the only material item Phyl ever coveted in life - her PT Cruiser. Then along came the granddaughters, and Gramma's life was complete. Firstborn, Lauren, arrived the same year that Phyllis retired from teaching and they formed an immediate closeness that is still alive 21 years later. Trips to Busch Gardens, the Clearwater Aquarium, and - of course - shopping were regular activities for the two of them. Phyl's love of reading was also passed on to Lauren, as they visited the library and read together frequently. Allison was born 2 ½ years later and now a trio was formed. The girls learned from Gramma's artistic talents and enjoyed doing crafts together, going to the library and making regular trips to the mall. Gramma affectionately called each of them "Nuisance #1". Her children's marriages brought special in-laws into her life. She appreciated the dry sense of humor and multiple talents of her son-in-law, Chuck (Wessell). When Chuck and Beth married, a special relationship was created with their daughter, Laura, as well as other of Chuck's children. Her daughter-in-law Ellen was more like a second daughter, as they loved to talk about "the girls - Lauren and Allie". Ellen was wonderful about keeping Phyllis up-to-date with all their accomplishments and activities - and that meant the world to Phyl. Despite less-than-perfect health for the past 5 years, Phyllis never complained, and always had a smile on her face. This happy personality made it easy to love her - and she was loved by many. Her success as a teacher is still felt, as she is recognized by many students who continue to thank her for her caring and teaching ability. Her musical background helped lead the choir at church, as she brought out the best in each of her vocalists. Her love and nourishing of her children and grandchildren is evident in their lives today. Phyllis passed away at home in Tarpon Springs on June 11, 2010 at age 85. She will be missed tremendously by all of us. In addition to her family in Florida, she is survived by her beloved sister, June Brock and husband Bob, and her younger brother Tom Eberhard all of Indiana, as well as many loved nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held in the fall. If interested, please feel free to make a contribution in her honor to the Tarpon Springs Public Library.