Obituary of Phyllis C. Schmick

Phyllis C. Schmick of Wurtsboro, a retired registered nurse and longtime resident of the area, died Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at the Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown. She was 89. The daughter of the late George Chapman and Mabel Seney, she was born August 1, 1922 in Teaneck, NJ. She was the widow of William Henry Schmick who predeceased her in 1957. Phyllis was a old-school, dedicated nurse, completing her education in Colorado and retiring from Mid-Hudson Psychiatric and St. Francis Hospital. Her nurse's commitment and devotion never waned, and she frequently would offer advice to the dedicated nurses, CNAs and other staff at Montgomery Nursing Home, while sharing insider giggles with them as well. She is envisioned with a crisp, white cap and no-nonsense style. She loved animals of all kinds, frequently feeding the wild masses of Wurtsboro Hills, and always had a canine best-friend by her side while she was in her home, taking in those most in need. Phyllis was fond of coining nicknames for people as well as her much-loved animals, and will always be remembered fondly by family and friends forever referring to local deer as "fudgies" and bear as "Aunt Tilly." She was a strong woman who endured life's circumstances. She is survived and loved by a son: Peter J. Schmick & his wife Rebekah of Wurtsboro; and five grandchildren: Katlyn, Andrew, Hannah, Peter Jr. and Jeremy. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a daughter: Margaret Schmick Willsey; four brothers; two sisters; and her fianc: Ezra G. Smith. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 23 from 2-4pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home, 111 Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro. A funeral service will be held at 4:00 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Sylvan Cemetery in Wurtsboro. Memorial contributions can be made to your favorite Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Arrangements under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Wurtsboro. For additional information please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com