Phyllis Una Widowski

In Loving Memory of Our Mother Phyllis U. Widowski

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Phyllis Una Widowski, age 92, who passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in Surprise, Arizona.

Phyllis was born in Saint Georges, Bermuda (which is part of the British Commonwealth) on March 7, 1933, to Rex and Una (Gibbons) Whiting. Born with a precocious spirit, Phyllis dedicated herself to her studies and worked hard for her family cleaning and selling fish with her three siblings, as well as feeding the animals, and tending to the family vegetable garden while growing her own garden of prized Easter Lilies.

In 1950, Phyllis married the love of her life, Raymond C. Widowski, a dental technician in the U.S. Navy stationed in Bermuda. They were married for 62 years, until Raymond’s passing.

Phyllis eventually became a naturalized citizen and devoted herself to her family, making each house a lovely home as the family moved from station to station, including four years in Japan. Phyllis became a certified swimming instructor through the American Red Cross and taught many children and adults how to swim. In 1972, Raymond retired from the Navy after 28 years of service and the family moved to Miamisburg, Ohio. While in Ohio, Phyllis graduated from Hixson’s School of Floral Design and later worked as a part-time floral designer at David’s Florist in West Carrollton. A decade later, Phyllis and Raymond moved to Arizona where Phyllis worked as a florist, volunteered at her church, studied at Rio Salado College, sang in a community choir, and pursued fitness and creative hobbies.

Phyllis made sure her children learned to swim and taught them to always be curious. She instilled in them the desire to learn, to love music and to explore all her adopted country had to offer: its beaches, deserts, canyons, mountains, and national parks. Like her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother before her, she lived her faith and taught her children to have faith in God and Jesus.

Phyllis will be fondly remembered by all who loved and knew her for her devotion to family, her wisdom and sound advice, her strength of character, her courage, her adventurous spirit and love of nature, for her commitment to excellence, her beauty, creative talent, quick wit, intelligence, and for her lovely singing voice. Her spirit and positive influence will live on in her children and in all those who knew and loved her.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, her parents, sisters Eleanor and Gwendolyn, and brother John. She leaves behind three children: Martin Widowski and his wife Susan, Lisa Widowski, and Julia Sizemore; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her sisters-in-law Mary Widowski and Carol Brodehl; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitation and Funeral service will take place on Friday, February 20th, 2026 at Harmony Creek/Good Shepherd Church, 901 E. Stroop Road in Kettering Ohio. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. Service follows at 11:15 a.m. Phyllis will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Raymond, at Dayton National Cemetery the following week. Instead of sending flowers, contributions may be made to the National Military Family Association or the American Red Cross.