Judith S. PHENEGER

Judith S. PHENEGER obituary, St. Petersburg, FL

Judith S. PHENEGER

Judith PHENEGER Obituary

Published by Tampa Bay Times on Oct. 16, 2016.
PHENEGER, Judith S.

of Tampa, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2016, after an extended illness. She was 77. Born February 25, 1939, in Marion, OH, she was raised in Van Wert, OH. She was the daughter of Evelyn L. and Vance E. Harden. She graduated from Van Wert High School (1957) and Denison University (1961). She taught English in the Maumee, OH, and in a Department of Defense school in Heidelberg, Germany.

Judy married Michael E. Pheneger on November 26, 1961. When Mike entered active duty in the US Army in 1963, Judy became a full partner in his career, and a stay-at-home mother of Michael "Scott" and Elizabeth "Beth" Louise. During 30 years of Mike's military service, she lived in Maryland, California, Arizona, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Florida, Germany, and Panama. During Mike's unaccompanied tours in Vietnam and Korea, she took full responsibility for the family. Judy was very active in her children's lives serving as a leader in Brownies, Girl Scouts, and Cub Scouts; and she often served as room mother for her kids' classes.

In senior leadership assignments, the Army counted on getting two for the price of one. Wives had lots of responsibilities and Judy was wonderful at all of them. She handled myriad social responsibilities and formed and led support groups to help younger military wives adapt to overseas assignments. She was loved and respected by all.

Judy and Mike arrived in Tampa in 1985, when he was assigned to USCENTCOM. Judy immediately became involved in the community. She served for a time as a Guardian ad Litem, and was an active member and officer in many women's groups including the New Tampan Grads, Old Brass, Carrollwood Women's Club, and Coterie. She was a member of the Friendship Class at Lake Magdalene Methodist Church. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed her participation in numerous bridge groups.

Judy is survived by her husband; son, Scott Pheneger of Tampa; daughter, Beth Bengis of Frisco, TX; brothers, Philip Harden of Toledo and Gregory Harden of Mentor, OH; her sister, Mari Jo Derkin of Sylvania, OH; and her beloved grandchildren, Dylan and Lauren Bengis.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund which focuses research on the highest probability ways of preventing, slowing, or reversing the disease. www.curealz.org

A memorial service to celebrate Judy's life will be held at 2 pm, Saturday, October 29, in the chapel of the Lake Magdalene United Methodist Church, 2902 W. Fletcher Avenue, in Tampa.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Judith PHENEGER's Guest Book

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October 29, 2016

Rodrick Colbert posted to the memorial.

October 28, 2016

Joseph Derkin posted to the memorial.

October 8, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Rodrick Colbert

October 29, 2016

Wishing you much strength at this time.

Rodrick

Joseph Derkin

October 28, 2016

For some reason, one of the most distinct memories I have with Aunt Judy will be sitting with her on my brother Joel's bed many years ago. I don't really remember what we were doing, what we had just finished doing, or even what we were talking about. But I know that I was with Aunt Judy. And I hold those kinds of memories of us together, closest to my heart. I will always cherish the last time I was able to visit with Aunt Judy, and Uncle Mike. It was such a blessing that I was able to sit and visit with them in such a special way, and also to share that with Rachael. We both left their home with a certain smile that can't quite be replicated any other way. Watching them wave us goodbye as we drove onward in our drive through Florida. I remember both of us looking at each other and saying "what a cool lady". It might seem like a funny thing to think, but it's absolutely the truth. Aunt Judy will always hold a very special place in my heart, and even though the memories I have with her are few in number, they are treasured beyond measure.

October 8, 2016

Dear Mike and Family,
Even though miles separate us, my thoughts and prayers continue to be with you for the days ahead, as they have in these past months and days. However, the wonderful memories during our school years and reunions will linger for ever.
Sincerely
Diane (Roth) Perry

Joel Derkin

October 7, 2016

Things I learned from my aunt Judy:

1) Bacon & peanut butter taste GREAT on an English muffin 2) It takes purposeful attention and grace to remember and actually send a card on time for EVERY birthday 3) Even good handwriting can always be improved with a straightedge guide 4) Haribo gummy bears, Toblerone chocolate and oranges taste even better when sent from Florida with love. 5) Christmas wrapping is as much a part of the gift as the item itself 6) Gin Rummy is a really fun game. But Bridge is better if you take the time to learn it (I sadly, never did) 7) "MOTHER" can be a term of endearment and exasperation all at the same time 7) Florida vacations are even more special when you get to see your favorite aunt.
It saddens my heart that you are gone, but I am so glad I got to tell you that I loved you one last time, and I look forward to that glorious day in Heaven when I can see you again. With all my love,

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Blount & Curry Funeral Home - Carrollwood

3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL 33618

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Sign Judith PHENEGER's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 29, 2016

Rodrick Colbert posted to the memorial.

October 28, 2016

Joseph Derkin posted to the memorial.

October 8, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.