Phyllis “Phyl” G. Roushey
October 21, 1918 - April 21, 2016
Phyllis G. Roushey, affectionately known as Phyl, age 97, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 21, 2016.
Born in Stroudsburg, PA on October 21, 1918, Phyl was the first child of Emery and Carrie (Banks) Gordon. She was raised in Chatham, NJ by her aunt and uncle, Curtis and Myrtle Von Zostrow. Phyl graduated from Summit Secretarial School in June 1938 and moved to Baltimore with her sister, Marcia. She worked as a secretary at Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Manufacturing where she met Lewis J. Roushey. Phyl and Lew married on May 16, 1943 in Baltimore. The couple settled in Felton, DE where they raised their two children, Curt and Linda. Phyl then worked for David P. Buckson in Dover. The family relocated to Newark in 1958 where she worked for Reverend Robert W. Andrews, longtime pastor of the United Campus Ministry at University of Delaware. From there she moved on to the Thomas More Oratory, as a secretary for Reverends Michael Zupper and William Keegan. She retired in 1983. Phyl was an active member in the Home Demonstration Club with the University of Delaware’s extension service, where she made many friends. After Lew’s death in 1997, she moved to Millcroft Independent Living where she enjoyed socializing with friends and neighbors, taking charge of the craft room and helping in the library. Phyl spent much of her time in the garden or craft room, where she enjoyed creating beautiful things.
Phyl is preceded in death by her husband, Lewis J. Roushey; sisters, Myrtle Dinisio, Nancy Lorendo and Marcia Wible; and brother, Irvin Gordon. She is survived by son, Curtis Roushey (Jeanne); daughter, Linda Downs (John); brother, Robert Gordon; grandchildren, Karen Schassler, Jeffrey Roushey, Brian Sanderson and Kelly Sanderson; and great grandsons, Benjamin and Oliver Schassler, Maxwell and Joseph Roushey and Jahkai Henderson.
The family would like to thank the staff from Vitas Hospice for the care, compassion and respect shown to Phyl and her family.
All services will be held private. Interment will be held at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Vitas Hospice, 100 Commerce Drive, Ste. 302, Newark, DE 19713.
Maggie Legates
What a wonderful woman! During my undergraduate days ,Mrs. Roushey was a great supporter, help and comfort. She was more than just a secretary at the Newman Center, she was a warm and caring mentor to the kids who found their way to the door. She seemed to be able to “go with the flow”, smiling at the zaniness and minor chaos we brought with us, never putting us off or shutting us down. Fr. Bill Keegan and Fr. Szupper relied on her for support as well.I am so grateful that she touched my life. I will offer prayers of thanksgiving for a life well-lived.
Jim & Karen Lister
Linda & Terry,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. It’s so difficult to know what to say at a time like this but just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you both. We know your mom will be dearly missed by both of you but hopefully your memories of the times you shared with her will provide some comfort.
Jim and Karen Lister
Shirley Smith
Linda,
I have been trying to find your address, and wanted you to know what a great neighbor, and friend, Phyl was to me. I’ve never forgotten how she was the one to make sure Allen and I got our Townsend Ave. house. How happy I was to have her and Alice as neighbors! Please know how sad I was when I read of her death, but she was able to be with her family and friends for a good many years. God was good to you all to have her with you all those years. Please tell Curtis I know he will really miss her, too. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Love,
Shirley Smith