Phyllis H. Ondek, 81, Potsdam

POTSDAM – Phyllis H. Ondek passed away the evening of April 24th, 2022 with family by her side at Scripps Hospital in La Jolla, California, joining Joseph, her loving husband of 60 years.

She was visiting with family and enjoying time in the warm weather prior to her planned move back to her childhood home, Potsdam, New York.

She is survived by their 3 children; Brian (Deana) Ondek of San Diego, CA, Deborah (Peter) Nowland of Crownsville, MD and Andrew (Amy) Ondek of Palmyra, VA.

Phyllis was an extremely proud and loving “Grandmo” to their 6 grandchildren: Mitchell, Carissa, Trinity, Jacob, Jalyn, and Gia.

Born on September 14, 1940 in Potsdam, NY to her parents Phil and Hilda Shelly, she was a wonderful sister to her 3 brothers, Robert Shelly of Hannawa Falls, Peter (Denise) Shelly of Hannawa Falls, and William (Susan) Shelly of Palm Coast, FL.

Phyllis graduated from Potsdam Central High School in 1958 and went on to get a 2 year nursing degree at SUNY Morrisville.

She began working at the VA Hospital in Syracuse, NY when she met Joseph, who was serving in the US Air Force, and thus began their love affair and lifelong adventure.

Phyllis loved being a military wife, traveling with her family, and making lifelong friends around the world.

After Joseph retired from the Air Force in 1977, they settled in Hannawa Falls, where they raised their family and enjoyed the peaceful and beautiful surroundings of upstate NY.

In 1988, they moved to Churchton, MD and proceeded to Palm Harbor, FL in 1995 where they enjoyed the next 26 years in the Sunshine State.

Phyllis devoted herself to raising a close and very loving family with plenty of hugs and kisses for all.

She also enjoyed knitting, puzzles, bowling, golf and long morning walks as well as spoiling any dog that crossed her path with treats at the ready.

Her kind loving soul and friendly personality made her a social centerpiece wherever she went, but nothing filled Phyllis’ heart more than just spending time with her family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local SPCA.

There will be no public memorial but the family hopes that you will keep them in your prayers.