Phyllis Elaine Witherell, formerly Bowman, 94, Gouverneur

GOUVERNEUR – Phyllis Elaine Witherell, formerly Bowman, age 94, of Gouverneur, passed away on August 20, 2026, at her daughter’s home under the care of her family and hospice.

Her visitation will be held at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. with her funeral service at 2:00 pm.

Burial will follow in East Riverside Cemetery followed by a reception held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, 190 W. Main Street, Gouverneur.

Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.

Phyllis built a life centered on family, friendship, and caring for others.

he shared many devoted years of marriage with her beloved husband, Donald Edwin Witherell, who passed away on October 11, 2017.

Phyllis and her husband, Donald were dairy farmers. For decades, Phyllis poured her hard work and heart into her cattle. She had 80-plus cows and had a name for every one of them. Her passion for her animals was evident to anyone that knew her.

Phyllis, alongside her husband and son, Dean, was always ready to give a helping hand with their Salvage Yard.

She truly believed that staying busy, working hard, and having God first in your life was a secret to a long life; and she proved it.

Phyllis worked at Ames Department Stores and later devoted herself to home health care. Caring for others was never simply a job to her – it was who she was.

She formed lasting friendships with the many people she helped throughout her life and often referred to those she cared for not as clients, but as friends. Her compassion, gentle nature, and willingness to help others touched countless lives within her community.

Phyllis was also a devoted and lifelong member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church where she faithfully served in several church offices throughout the years. Her faith was an important part of her life and guided the compassion and dedication she showed to others every day.

Phyllis will be remembered for her warm heart, wisdom, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family. Whether through holiday gatherings, quiet acts of kindness, or simply being present for those she loved, she touched countless lives in meaningful ways.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna E. Chambers and her husband, William J. Chambers, and her son, David K. Witherell and his wife, Stephanie L. Witherell. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, all of whom were a great source of pride and joy in her life.

She is also survived by her brother, Ken Arnold and his companion, Sheila Mack; both of Cato, NY and her sister, Velma Arnold, of Rome, NY.

In addition to her husband, Donald, she was predeceased by her son, Dean H. Witherell, who passed away on October 31, 2020, and two brothers and four sisters.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gouverneur Fire Department, 33 Clinton St., Gouverneur NY 13642 or East Riverside Cemetery, PO Box 29, Gouverneur NY 13642.