Phyllis A. VanGiesen

Phyllis Ann VanGiesen, 92, passed away peacefully on July 27th at Auburn Community Hospital with her loving husband Robert at her bedside. They had celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary the day prior.

After graduating nursing school in Auburn, NY, earning her degree as a R.N., she embarked on a career spent caring for others. She gave nearly twenty years of service at Auburn City Hospital, tending to expectant mothers in the maternity ward. She then transitioned to Dr. Rose’s and Dr. Lubanski’s office, where she finished out her medical career. In “retirement,” she became a Weight Watchers Leader, helping many achieve their health and wellness goals. Phyllis was also a dedicated volunteer with Meals on Wheels and later at Matthew House, providing care for the residents there.

Many of her most cherished memories were made during her annual vacations to Barbados with her husband, celebrating the July 3rd fireworks with family festivities at their home overlooking Owasco Lake, and enthusiastically ringing her cowbell at her sons’ hockey games (helping the officials better understand the rulebook!).

Survivors include husband Robert James, children Sandra Sue (John Gower), Richard James (Leslie), and Douglas James (Michele), and grandchildren Jennifer and Chris Driscoll, Nicole and Brett VanGiesen, and Jessica and Ali VanGiesen.

Services will be held at White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., 197 South Street, Auburn, on Thursday, August 1 at 11:30AM, followed by a private burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Matthew House (https://cnycf.org/funds/matthewhousefund/).

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