Phyllis K Chidiac Dixon

Phyllis K Chidiac Dixon

Phyllis K Chidiac Dixon, 90, Bayville, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at her home

with family on January 25, 2026. Born February 21, 1935, in Orange, New Jersey, to

Sidney David Kingston and Mary Gertrude Coughlan. She lived most of her life in

Bloomfield, NJ, growing up with her sister, Mary Irene, and later raising her family while

creating countless cherished memories as part of the "Clark Avenue Crew". She later

lived in Brick Township before retiring to Smithville, Little Egg Harbor and most recently

resided in Bayville. Phyllis devoted her life to educating and nurturing young children.

Phyllis attended Sacred Heart Grammar School in Bloomfield and, after one year at

Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair, received a scholarship to the

Academy of St Elizabeth in Convent Station. A proud graduate of Kean College

(formerly Newark State Teachers College), she earned her Bachelor of Science degree

and New Jersey Permanent Teaching Certificate in June 1956, specializing in Primary

Education, Grades K-8. Her teaching career spanned decades and multiple New Jersey

school districts beginning in 1956 at Parsippany Troy Hills School System, where she

taught second and third grade until 1961. She continued her calling at Children's Corner

in Bloomfield as Head Nursery School Teacher (1975-1976), Saint Cassian's School in

Upper Montclair teaching second grade and ungraded reading and math programs

(1978-1979), Holy Name School in East Orange as a third-grade teacher (1981-1984),

and concluded her career at Mulberry Bush Toms River YMCA, where she taught and

later served as Director of the nursery school until 1992. After retirement she dedicated

her teaching at Creative Learning in Galloway.

Phyllis was twice blessed in marriage. She first married George Victor Chidiac, with

whom she shared 40 years before his passing in 2001. Together they raised six

children, and her greatest joy was motherhood --- faithfully attending every game,

concert, dance recital, theatrical performance and scholastic achievement. She built a

family homestead filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support, creating a legacy of

warmth and togetherness that continues to be cherished. A passionate and exemplary

artist, Phyllis found deep fulfillment in her creativity, particularly oil painting, which

became her favorite pursuit once her children were grown. When she and George

retired to Smithville, they fully embraced community life. Phyllis was an active member

of the VIPs in Smithville and built many meaningful friendships. Her artwork was

frequently submitted to local exhibitions, and she often won awards at the Galloway

Cultural Arts Center. In addition, she was a First Place "Summer Visions" winner at the

Atlantic City Convention Center Senior Art Show, a distinction she was especially proud

of. She was also an avid pinochle player and a formidable card shark, enjoying both the

competition and camaraderie of card games and Mahjong at the community center.

Phyllis loved the outdoors and walked twice a day for as long as she was able. A

lifelong beach lover, she always had sand in her toes and found peace by the shore.

She cherished time with her extended family, especially her twelve grandchildren, and

the many friends she made throughout her life, and she greatly enjoyed traveling with

her retirement group. Later in life, she found companionship again with Thomas A.

Dixon of Little Egg Harbor, who predeceased her in 2015.

She is survived by her children: Mary Chidiac of Toms River, Cindy Hawthorne (William)

of Pt. Pleasant, Suzanne Chidiac of Spring Lake Heights, Judy Venafro of Galloway,

Kathy Jobbins (Steve)of Flanders, and George J. Chidiac (Jill) of Bayville. Phyllis also

leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, the jewels of her life, whom she lovingly

called her diamonds---each one treasured beyond measure. William III (Melina) and

Bryan Hawthorne; Emily, Matthew and Joseph Signorelli; Thomas (Tawney), Dante and

Lena Marie Venafro; Jessica and Julia Jobbins; Christian and Arianna Chidiac. She is

also survived by her beloved great-grandchildren, Cheyenne and Bailey Venafro. She

further leaves behind her sister and brother in-law's, along with many nieces, nephews

and godchildren. Family held a special place in her heart.

Throughout her life, Phyllis touched countless young lives with patience, kindness, and

dedication to early childhood education. A devoted Catholic she lived her faith through

service, compassion, and love. Her legacy lives on in the many students she inspired

and the family who loved her dearly.

Private Funeral Services will be held for the family.

Donations may be made to St. Jude Chidren's Hospital at Stjude.org or Caregiver

Volunteers of Central Jersey, 201 Hooper Avenue, First Floor, North Suite, Toms River,

NJ 08753 at cvcj.org