Obituary of Phyllis R. Spigonardo

Phyllis Spigonardo Phyllis Spigonardo, caring and beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on the morning of September 5th. She had fought courageously for many years with Alzheimer's disease, cancer and diabetes, but did not suffer from pain in her final moments. She had celebrated her 90th birthday in April. Phyllis was the devoted wife of William James Spigonardo and adored mother of William, Frances and Diane, and mother-in-law to Janine and John Gerard. Grandmother of Justin (Cheryl) and Michelle (David Zambrano) and great grandmother of Sophia, Andrew and Lincoln. Phyllis packed a lot of personality into her tiny frame. She was warm, outgoing and loved talking to and meeting new people. She always took the time to listen and guided her children with thoughtful advice. Her Italian heritage was on display when she cooked her legendary sauce and she always made family gatherings a special event. She helped to raise and guide her younger siblings, as her own mother passed away when she was just 20 years old. She was the nurse and care-giver for her husband through his battle with diabetes and cancer. The way she cared for her partner of 49 years was awe inspiring and taught us what true love means. Phyllis battled numerous illnesses with grace, dignity and courage. The love and strength that she taught us is something that her family will hold in their hearts and pass down to future generations. We will always remember the good times and cherish the memories that we made together. We thank God for letting her into our lives and find solace in the fact that she will be reunited with the love of her life, as well as the family and friends who went before her. We are humbled that she is at peace and will think of her often and fondly. When we see the red cardinal soaring through the air, we will know that it is Phyllis watching over us as she soars in Heaven.