Phyllis Margaret Dion

Phyllis Margaret (Hepfinger) Dion, 95, earned her wings departing Mountain View Care Center on Sept. 12, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Wesley J. Dion, both former lifelong residents of Williamsville, N.Y.

Phyllis was born and raised in Salamanca, N.Y., the daughter of Archie and Frances (Cowan) Hepfinger. Valedictorian and graduate of Salamanca High School, she was known for her academic excellence. Following high school, she successfully completed training at Millard Filmore Hospital School of Nursing in Buffalo, N.Y., where she excelled and received her registered nursing license.

Her nursing career included work in urology, nephrology, geriatric care and psychiatric hospital care. Her longest nursing service was with BryLin Psychiatric Hospital, where she served as floor nurse, supervisor, and closed her career as assistant vice president of nursing. Nurses who worked with her knew her as a talented and a "tough, but fair" supervisor.

Phyllis married Wesley J. Dion in 1947 and is survived by her three children, Marcia (Dion) Loughman and husband, Joe; Jerome Dion and wife, Robin; and Joseph Dion and wife, Marianne; grandchildren, Lindsay, Alyssa, Jameson and Benjamin Dion, Sarah (Dion) Drummond and Jessica Hauck; eight great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Anyone who knew her recognized a very sharp, well-informed mind and a skilled medical professional. She was a terrific mother and in the neighborhood was always ready with first aid to fix scrapes and skinned knees of any child who needed it.

Phyllis maintained many friendships over the years, most especially the women of the neighborhood and her nursing classmates. She attended her high school reunions until age 90 and was a key organizer of her nursing school class reunions. She enjoyed bowling, music, playing cards with friends, and was an avid reader. Until her journey to Pennsylvania to live near her daughter, Phyllis was a member of the Williamsville Methodist Church.

Her family would like to thank the staff of Mountain View Care Center for the care these last several years; and to Compassionate Care Hospice, these last several months.

Calling hours and funeral arrangements will be conducted at Wedekint Funeral Home in Kenmore, N.Y. She will be laid to rest with Wesley at Wildwood Cemetery in Salamanca, N.Y. on Oct. 27.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Duffy & Snowdon Funeral Homes of Scranton and Moscow.

For online condolences, visit the funeral home's website.