Phyllis Margaret DION

DION - Phyllis Margaret
(nee Hepfinger)
Age 95, earned her wings departing Mountain View care Home in Scranton, PA, on September 12, 2021. She was predeceased by her husband of 72 years, Wesley J. Dion, both former lifelong residents of Williamsville, NY. Phyllis was born and raised in Salamanca, NY, the daughter of Archie Hepfinger and Frances Cowan Hepfinger. Valedictorian and graduate of Salamanca High School, she was known for academic excellence. Following high school, she successfully completed training at Millard Filmore Hospital School of Nursing in Buffalo, NY, where she excelled and received her Registered Nursing License and credential. Her Nursing career included work in urology, nephrology, geriatric care, and psychiatric hospital care. Her longest nursing service was with BryLin Psychiatric Hospital where she served as a floor nurse, supervisor, and closed her career retiring as Assistant Vice-President of Nursing. Nurses who worked with her knew her as talented and a 'tough, but fair' supervisor. Phyllis married Wesley J. Dion, in 1947, and is survived by three children, Marcia (Dion) Loughman and husband Joe; Jerome Dion and wife Robin; and Joseph Dion and wife Marianne. She is the grandmother to Lindsay, Alyssa, Jameson, Benjamin Dion; Sarah (Dion) Drummond and Jessica Hauck. She leaves eight great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Anyone who knew her recognized a very sharp well-informed mind and a skilled medical professional. She was a terrific mother and in the neighborhood was always ready with first aid to fix the scrapes and skinned knees of any child who needed it. Phyllis maintained many friendships over the years, most especially the women of the neighborhood and her nursing class mates. She attended her high school reunions until age 90 and was a key organizer of her nursing school class reunions. She enjoyed bowling, music, playing cards with friends, and was an avid reader. Until her journey to Pennsylvania to live near her daughter, Phyllis was a member of the Williamsville Methodist Church. Her family would like to thank the Staff of Mountain View Care home for her care these last several years and Compassionate Care Hospice for her additional comfort these last several months. Friends may call Wednesday, October 27, from 2 PM-6 PM, where a prayer service will be held at 5:30 PM, at the LESTER H. WEDEKINDT FUNERAL HOME, INC., 3290 Delaware Ave. She will be laid to rest with Wesley at Wildwood Cemetery in Salamanca, New York on Thursday, October 28, at 10 AM. Please share online condolences at www.lesterwedekindtfuneralhome.com