Phyllis C. Andolsek, formerly of Gowanda, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, June 18, 2025 at home in Broken Arrow, OK, surrounded by family. She was 95 years old. She was born on May 29, 1930 to Philip and Anna Pericak in Lackawanna.
Phyllis graduated from Lackawanna High School in the Class of 1948. She attended D'Youville College and Bryant and Stratton College in Buffalo. After college, she married the late John Andolsek on May 12, 1951. She worked as an accountant at Gowanda State Hospital until her children came along, choosing to focus on the family. Later, she became co-owner of Luce Hardware in Gowanda with her husband, John.
Phyllis always fondly reflected on in her lifetime of memories in Gowanda, where she raised her family and held dear her close friendships. Phyllis was proud to claim Western New York her home for over 70 years. She deeply enjoyed the four distinct seasons it had to offer. Phyllis was passionate about her country and highly valued her civic duty to vote. She never missed an election in all her years. Phyllis was an avid Buffalo Bills fan, even in the lowest and best of times. She found joy in the simple things especially, walking, being an avid reader and never missing an episode of "Jeopardy!". She also enjoyed sitting and taking comfort on her front porch. She loved making friends no matter the age or walk of life.
Phyllis was a devout Catholic and loved the Lord. She made sure her children were brought up in the faith. Phyllis was deeply loyal and found joy in the everyday things of life. She was very frugal and practical to the utmost. The bond Phyllis shared with her three sisters was deep and unshakable, a reflection of the strong family values passed down from her parents. She took pleasure in seeing that bond develop among her own children.
Phyllis is survived by her six children and 18 grandchildren: Rebecca (Randy) Painter and their sons, Joshua, Joseph, and Jacob; Amy (Jeffrey) Brooks and their sons, Matthew and Andrew; Teresa (Clinton) Hall and their children, Daniel, Diana, Daisy, David and Katie; Steven (Judith) Andolsek and their children, Paul, John, and Andrea; Max Andolsek and his daughters, Tamara, and Tonya; and Phyllis (Christopher) Osmond and their children, Nathaniel, Samuel and Sophia; 31 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Pericak and Kathleen Michael; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Philip and Anna Pericak; her husband, John Andolsek; brother, Daniel Pericak, sister, Patricia Utley; and daughter-in-law, Linda Andolsek.
Friends may call on Friday, June 27 from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Schindler Funeral Home, 44 Center Street in Gowanda. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 28 at 10:00 AM from St. Joseph's RC Church, 26 Erie Avenue in Gowanda. Interment to follow in the Holy Cross Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, John, who passed away on October 31, 1987.
