Phyllis A. "Anastasion" Rustico

Phyllis (Anastasion) Rustico, 86, of Plainville, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, September 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She shared 55 beautiful years of marriage with the love of her life, Thomas Rustico. The bond they shared was truly special and admired by all who knew them; a partnership built on deep respect, devotion, and laughter. Born on May 2, 1939, she was one of four children to the late James and Mary (Ferony) Anastasion. Raised in New Britain, Phyllis was a graduate of New Britain High School and went on to attend the St. Agnes School of Pediatric Nursing, fulfilling a lifelong calling to care for others. Phyllis dedicated many years as a pediatric nurse at Grove Hill Medical Center, where her gentle touch and compassionate heart brought comfort to countless families. She later chose to dedicate her full heart to raising a family of her own, her most cherished role. Phyllis took immense pride in being the one to give every new baby in the family their very first bath, a small but deeply meaningful ritual that perfectly embodied her loving and nurturing spirit. A lifelong caretaker at heart, Phyllis extended her love not only to her family, but also to stray cats who always found a safe haven in her care. Summers at the family cottage at Hawk's Nest Beach in Old Lyme were a treasured tradition, where days were filled with laughter, sun, and the kind of magical memories that live on for generations. The beach was her sanctuary, second only to her true happy place-Walt Disney World. A proud Disney enthusiast, Phyllis found pure joy in every visit. A devoted Catholic, Phyllis was a member of St. Dominic Church in Southington, where her faith was a source of strength and guidance throughout her life. Of all the titles Phyllis held, her proudest and most joyful was "Grandma." She was a constant, guiding presence in the lives of her "special angels." Her love for them knew no bounds, and the memories she created with them will be cherished always. Phyllis leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and quiet strength. She will be missed deeply and remembered always. In addition to her husband Tom, she leaves her children, Tommy and his wife Julie and Mary Levy and her husband Aaron; her adored grandchildren, Jessie (her special angel), Becky (her sunshine), Jacob and James; her sister, Angela Atwood and many cherished nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Gloria Brown and her brother, Gerald Anastasion. In lieu of flowers, Phyllis may be remembered with contributions to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at http://www.stjude.org or to the ALS United Connecticut, Team Lara, 4 Oxford Road, Unit E4, Milford, CT 06460 ALS United CT Team Lara Family and friends may gather on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St. Plainville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11:00 a.m., meeting directly at St. Luke Parish-The Church of St. Dominic, 1050 Flanders Rd, Southington. A reception will immediately follow, and burial will be held privately. For online expressions of sympathy please visit http:// www.PlainvilleFuneralHome.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phyllis A. (Anastasion) Rustico, please visit our floral store.