Phyllis Gunn

Phyllis Gunn, 89, formerly of Brooklyn and New City, NY, Bonita Springs, FL, Southold, NY, and Chester Springs, PA, passed away peacefully on September 8th, in the comfort of her home in Chester Springs, PA.

Phyllis, who was highly educated and held a master’s degree, began her career as a schoolteacher in Manhattan before becoming a dedicated occupational therapist. She devoted much of her professional life to serving handicapped children with warmth, skill, and boundless compassion. She was the beloved wife of over 50 years to the late Peter Louis Gunn—the two shared a deep love for one another that everyone who knew them appreciated and admired. She was also a devoted and loving mother to Meryle, Ruth, and Andrew (Amanda), and an adoring "Nan" to her three granddaughters, Abigail, Lulu, and Tessa.

Besides her extensive travels throughout the world, Phyllis had an insatiable appetite for reading and learning, with a lifelong passion for history, politics, the arts, and sciences. She was a devoted animal lover who was especially fond of her dogs—her Schnauzers, Fritz and Buddy, and Norman, a Border Terrier and Schnauzer mix. Like Peter, she was happiest when surrounded by her family, spending time with her granddaughters, or taking long walks on the beach in her favorite places, Sanibel Island and Peconic Bay, Eastern Long Island. Following years spent raising her family in New City and snowbirding between Florida and Long Island, she moved to Audubon, PA in 2015 to be close to her family, later residing at Brightview in Wayne and Fieldstone at Chester Springs.

In her final chapter, Phyllis faced Parkinson’s and other physical challenges with the same incredible grace, strength, and resilience that Peter showed. Through it all, her family was steadfastly by her side with love and support, providing comfort through every stage. Though her health presented hardships, her gentle spirit and connection to her family remained constant. Her loved ones take deep comfort in knowing that she is now at peace.

Phyllis left a lasting impression on everyone she touched, and her deep devotion to her family, her friends, her patients, and those around her will always be remembered. She will be dearly missed.

Funeral services and interment are private, but a livestream is available for anyone who would like to virtually attend. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in memory of Phyllis to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at http://www.michaeljfox.org or P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741 (Memo: "In memory of Phyllis Gunn").