Phyllis Vandish

In Loving Memory of Phyllis Vandish

Phyllis Vandish, 89, of Mexico, NY, gained her Heavenly wings to walk with the Lord on October 31, 2026, following a brief illness. She was born on October 8, 1937, in Oswego, to the late Mortimer E. Sweeney and Rose (Regan) Sweeney.

Phyllis is predeceased by two brothers, Edward Sweeney and Frederick Sweeney, and a sister, Ann Wallace.

Throughout her working years, Phyllis was employed by the Ostead’s Corporation Textile Facility as a line seamstress and later in life by Gentiles Music Box and SUNY Oswego Library. She was a member of St. Paul’s Church.

Phyllis was predeceased by her husband , the love of her life and best friend, Warren (Pinky) C. Vandish on August 18,1982. Together, they shared three daughters, Mary Powers (Scott) of Scriba, NY; Debora Vandish (John Michalski, Jr.) of Scriba, NY; Tracy Vandish Todd (Robert), of Mexico, NY; and one son, Warren C. Vandish II, (Virginia), of Palermo, NY.

Although Warren was taken from her far too soon, Phyllis carried his heart and love with her throughout the entirety of her life. Their love remained an everlasting part of who she was.

Phyllis was blessed with eight grandchildren Andrew Powers, Jeremy Powers, Erin Schneider, Jessica Ferlito, Sarah Todd, Alexander Todd, Lindsey Vandish, and Emily Ernestine, whom she loved dearly and held close to her heart.

She was also blessed with nine great grandchildren, Andrew Powers, Mina Powers, David Diehl, Riley Powers, Brooklyn Powers, Bailey Welling, Aidehn Welling, Alana Schneider, and Mya Schneider; and one great-great-granddaughter, Giannah Grace Welling. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved deeply. Phyllis’s joy was always rooted in her family.

Phyllis found great joy in baking, cooking, sewing and crocheting. She was a highly skilled artisan, creating beautiful treasures with her hands, but her greatest gift was the joy she found in giving them away. She gave with the most generous of hearts, never expecting anything in return, and found happiness in bringing joy to others.

A lover of music, Phyllis so enjoyed dancing in her younger years. She often spoke fondly of the trips and adventures she shared with her beloved husband, Warren. She cherished spending time with family and friends, playing cards, sharing stories, and making memories. Alongside her throughout many years was her best friend and confidant, Ann DeLuca, with whom she shared a special and lasting friendship.

Phyllis had a heart that extended far beyond those she knew and loved. She gave freely to family and friends and often thought of the forgotten and struggling souls of strangers, always hoping to lessen someone else’s burden. Her compassion knew no boundaries. She also held a fierce respect for our veterans and the fallen soldiers who stood tall and sacrificed for our country.

Phyllis will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Though she is no longer with us, her love, kindness, generosity, and spirit will forever be felt, remembered, and held close in our hearts.

You were our beginning. We thank you, and we love you forever, Mom.

A Mass in Phyllis’s honor will be held on Saturday, November 14 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the Good Shepherd. Family and friends are warmly invited to join us as we gather to celebrate her life and honor her memory.

There are no calling hours.

Arrangements are in the care of Dowdle Funeral Home.