Phyllis Jean Kortvelesy
September 21, 1932 - January 20, 2020
Phyllis Jean Kortvelesy, known to her friends as “Brook”, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2020, following a brief battle with cancer.
Born in Bristol, PA and raised in Flushing, NY, Brook received a bachelor’s degree in French & Italian from New York University and soon after married her husband of over 60 years, Robert Kortvelesy. A lifelong lover of reading, Brook worked at the University of Delaware Morris Library until her retirement. After her retirement she volunteered her time in many ways. She was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church since 1964.
Brook was cherished and much loved by friends and family. Her family affectionately called her the “Princess of Quite-A-Lot.” Brook loved the beach and enjoyed hosting family and friends at her beach house in New Jersey. Known for her intelligence and wit, her strong-willed spirit and humor were present even in her final days.
Brook leaves behind her beloved husband, Robert; her children, Laura Freeman (Dan), Rich Kortvelesy (Lynn), Suzanne Brown (Douglas), and Joy Stromski (James); her grandchildren, Hilary Donahue (James), Nathaniel Kortvelesy (Olivia), Christopher Stromski, Erin Keiper (Sean), and Renee Stromski; and her great-grandchildren, Damien Dillard, Sophia Donahue, Finn Kortvelesy, and Judah Keiper. She was predeceased by her parents, Margaret and Lawrence Brehm and granddaughter, Ambre Brown.
A funeral service will be held at 1 pm on February 1, 2020, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church 276 S College Ave, Newark, DE, with a gathering in the church hall afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, Brook requested that donations be made to a charity of your choice.
Patti Abernethy
Brook was a pure delight! She made you smile. She worked hard for us who lived close to her. Brook was an organizer and a very kind and thoughtful person. She will be missed. She is in God’s loving arms.
Susan Brubaker
Brook was our dedicated volunteer in the Village of Long Creek. I am honored to have known her.
Barbara Strasser
Dear Bob,
I was very sorry to learn of Brook’s passing. I remember her so very well as being so vibrant and involved at the Village of Long Creek where Joe and I were neighbors. Brook was always upbeat, no matter what, and was eager to help in any way she could. Joe found her assistance and good spirits to be such a positive addition at committee meetings they both attended. I know your loving family will be a great support to you at this time and I shall keep you all in my prayers.
Barbara Strasser
Gale Deputy
Brook was a wonderful hostess and warm and loving lady. We will miss her dearly.
Sue Holland
Sorry I couldn’t be there today PK. I’m not well. I did donate to the American Cancer Society in your memory. I enjoyed our years working together at the Morris Library. So smart and witty!