Phyllis J. Smith

Cary - Phyllis Joyce Smith, 94, passed peacefully from this life on May 8, 2023, surrounded by her children, to join her husband James L. Smith.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Phyllis was an accounting supervisor at Liberty Mutual before becoming a stay-at-home mom for her three children. She was very involved in their lives, including serving as a leader in their Girl Scout troops and as a member of their PTA. Her children have fond memories of falling asleep listening to her playing the organ, and loved helping her make her legendary sand tarts and snickerdoodles at Christmas time.

She was an active member of the New Hackensack Reformed Church, among many other things singing in the choir and serving as church secretary. She was also a member of the YWCA and the Women’s Guild, served as treasurer of the Home Demonstration Club, and was an avid bowler who accumulated quite a collection of trophies. While living at Waltonwood she made lots of friends with staff and other residents and she always managed to put a smile on their faces.

Her ashes will be scattered together with her husband’s in the Pocono Mountains in memory of the family’s many summer vacations camping at Promised Land Lake.

She is survived by her children, Debbie Mickunas and husband Mark, Susie Smith and wife Sarah, Jim Smith and wife Peggy; seven grandchildren, Anthony, Jamey, Rob, Mary, Katie, Jon-Paul, and Gloria; five great-grandchildren, Aeva, Brennon, Nathaniel, Mark, and Ezra; and sister-in-law Donna Korkes and former son-in-law Richard Pecorella.

A small, private memorial service will be held for family and close friends to honor her memory.

The family would like to thank the staff of Transitions LifeCare Hospice; in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Transitions LifeCare (transitionslifecare.org/donate) or your local Hospice.