Phyllis Susan Striebel

Phyllis Susan (Mele) Striebel, 87, beloved wife of 68 years to Edmund Striebel, passed away peacefully at home on February 25, 2025 under the compassionate care of her daughter, Cindi and granddaughter, Meghan.
Phyllis was born in New York City, to the late Louis and Amelia Mele. She lived in South Windsor since 1962 and was a dedicated and active member of the community. She was deeply involved in the South Windsor Women's Club and played a pivotal role in establishing and managing the club's Community Thrift Shop. She also worked many years as an OB/GYN Medical Assistant for Dr. Savage and Dr. Gutkowski.
Her passion for gardening led her to the South Windsor Garden Club, where she found joy in "planting seeds of love" alongside fellow members. She also enjoyed playing bridge and mahjong with close friends and cherished the camaraderie of those gatherings.
In 1972, Phyllis was honored as an "Outstanding Young Woman of America," a national award that recognizes young women for their exceptional achievements for the betterment of their community. This distinction reflected her commitment to service and her desire to make a meaningful impact on those around her.
Phyllis had a gift for bringing people together. She loved hosting dinner parties and social gatherings, always ensuring that guests were welcomed with a home-cooked meal. Her generosity extended beyond her home by frequently providing meals and baked goods to friends and neighbors spreading her warmth and kindness to everyone she met.
She loved attending her grandchildren's activities and always celebrated their efforts with a personal gift. Her greatest honor was to officiate her granddaughter's wedding in November, 2024 shortly after her cancer diagnosis.
She is survived by her husband, Edmund; her three children Paul Striebel (Diane), Cindi Oberly (Douglas) and Lori Thomas; her six grandchildren Michael Thomas (Emma), Meghan Oberly, Ashley Grizzaffi (Leo), Victoria Striebel, Morgan Monti (David), and Madison Oberly; her two great granddaughters Hadley Thomas and Mia Monti. She was predeceased by her first-born grandchild, Lisa Striebel.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 8th from 3-6 pm at Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, located at 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor, CT. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 9th from 12-4 pm at the Cambria Hotel, 1000 Long Leaf Lane, South Windsor, CT. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
Phyllis's legacy of generosity and community spirit will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to her favorite charity St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at stjude.org/donate