Obituary published on Legacy.com by Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. - Utica on Oct. 2, 2022.
UTICA - Joan Phyllis Toti, age 88, formerly of New Hartford and Deerfield, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Bridgeport Hospital.
Born in Poughkeepsie, NY on May 30, 1934, and raised in Modena, NY, Phyllis was the daughter of the late Blanche (Terwilliger) Winters and Herbert Winters, Sr. She also cherished the love and guidance of her late step-mother, Dorothy Marie Winters, who raised her from the age of six.
In June 1987, Phyllis married Bill Toti her beloved partner until his death in 2015. Phyl was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and was always happiest when surrounded by friends and family. She cherished their times with the "Kuzins Club" (a yearly gathering of the grandchildren which became a beloved tradition), and the months she and Bill spent at their home in South Carolina. She loved the ocean, traveling, entertaining, and gardening. Phyl took many trips with friends and family, and was active up until her passing. She was the heart of her extended family and worked tirelessly to keep communication and relationships alive and keep her family safe, healthy, and happy. She spent many happy years as Office Manager working for Dr. Isam Sakati and Dr. Ron Kaye, retiring many years ago. She was a long-time member of the New Hartford United Methodist Church. In 2021, she left her beloved home and community in Utica and moved to Shelton, CT to be closer to her family.
Phyllis is survived by children, Laurie (Wesley) Simpson of Orange CT, Lynn Carew of Shelton CT, and James (Kari) Veasaw of Chanhassen MN; and stepchildren, Regina (Andy) Scarafile of Sauquoit, Mary Toti of Moravia NY, and Michael (Leah) Toti of North Utica. She was blessed with 12 grandchildren – Taylor and Cameron Simpson; Ryan and Christopher Carew; Jarin, Kendall and Kassidy Veasaw; Alissa Scarafile, Emily Toti, Joseph, Adam and Katie Toti. She is also survived by her brothers, Herbert Winters, Jr. (formerly of Schroon Lake NY), and David Winters (Modena NY). She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her sisters-in-law, Eleanor Winters, and Barbara Winters.
A Memorial Gathering in Phyllis' honor will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2022, from 10:00–11:00 a.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Phyllis' Memorial Service will commence at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home immediately upon the conclusion of the gathering. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the New Hartford United Methodist Church, 105 Genesee St, New Hartford, NY 13413 or online at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z4HW/home;
Doctors Without Borders online at www.doctorswithoutborders.org; or their favorite charity in her name. Envelopes will also be available at the service. All are invited to share a memory of Phyl at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. website. Inurnment will take place at Calvary Cemetery after the service.