Phyllis S. Oliver

Phyllis Jean Smith Oliver, of Punta Gorda, FL went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, August 23, 2020. Phyllis was born on April 7, 1928, in Ithaca, NY. She graduated from Ithaca High School in 1945. Phyllis married her childhood sweetheart, Robert E. Oliver of Ithaca, NY in 1946. Phyllis and Bob moved to Punta Gorda in 1988. Married nearly 62 years, Robert preceded Phyllis to eternity in 2008.

Phyllis was a lifelong pianist, organist, and musician. She was the drum major of Ithaca High School in her youth and she was the music director of First Baptist Church of Baldwinsville, NY for 25 years. Upon retirement, she frequently participated in the music program at First Baptist Church of Punta Gorda.  Phyllis was a dedicated volunteer and director of the Senior Citizens programs in Baldwinsville and was awarded the “Woman of the Year “for community service for the Greater Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce in 1968.

In addition, Phyllis was an avid tennis player, skier, and boater with her family who will greatly miss her. Phyllis is survived by her three children, Sally Rice of Truro, MA; William Oliver of Chehalis, WA; and Nancy Wentling of Foxboro, MA; as well as five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Phyllis was buried on Thursday, August 27, 2020, in Royal Palm Memorial Gardens of Punta Gorda. A memorial service in celebration of Phyllis Oliver will be held at a later date.