Phyllis Von Sitas

Phyllis M. Von Sitas Essex Junction As the sun came out on September 21st 2011, with a sigh and a hug, Phyllis M. Von Sitas left us to be with the love of her life, Edward S. Von Sitas. She was born in Sunderland, VT on May 2, 1921 to Thomas & Maude “Bunny” Matteson. In many ways, her life represented quintessential Americana. She loved hiking, skiing, golfing, and riding her favorite horse: Betsey. Over the years, she shared many stories of her times spent with Normal Rockwell, Dorothy Canfield Fisher, and Pearl S. Buck. She passed on her love for literature and poetry to younger family members. As an active member of the church, she sang in the choir, belonged to the women’s club, and named the local St. James church in Essex Junction after her hometown church. In 1941, she married Edward in southern Vermont and traveled to New York City for their honeymoon. They eventually settled in Essex Jct where they raised their two children and became very active in the community. Phyllis was particularly fond of the Essex Junction Senior Center where she played Bridge for many years. She also loved dancing and was known to clear a dance floor when doing the Jitterbug with Edward. At home, she helped raise her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored and watched bloom like her flower gardens. A dignified lady who was very sweet, loving, supportive, and funny, she co-owned and worked for 20 years with Edward in Carroll’s Pharmacy. At age 52, she became a successful real estate agent at L.S. Realty and later joined her son-in-law at Lacroix Associates until she retired. Phyllis is survived by her two children: Sandra Lacroix, and her husband Edward; and Edward Von Sitas and his companion Sharon Cleary; four grandchildren: Kimberly Lavallee and her husband Stephen, Kaaren Dagostino, Jennifer Lacroix and her husband Franz Lepionka, and Stephen Von Sitas and is wife Katja; and six great-grandchildren: Stephanie, Monica, Nicholas, Timothy, Kai, and Blake; and her family member: Patti Lacroix. Visiting hours will be held at A.W. Rich Funeral Home on Friday, September 23, 5-8:00 PM: 57 Main St., Essex Junction. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 24, 11:00 AM: St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St. James Place, Essex Junction. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Essex Junction Senior Center, 2 Lincoln Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452. The family invites you to share your memories and online condolences by visiting www.awrichfuneralhomes.com.