Obituary of Phyllis E. French

Phyllis E. French, 88, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2018 at Ellis Hospital with her family at her side.

Born in Detroit, MI on March 18, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Damian and Blanche (DeClaire) Gawler. After Damian’s death, she was also supported by her late step-father Justo (Gus) Trinidad.

Phyllis was a proud Wayne University graduate where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology, which she applied in several hospitals over the years. She married Robert D. French in Detroit on August 21, 1954. The family moved to Concord, MA in 1959 and then to Niskayuna, NY in 1965 where they held residence since.  After taking time out from her career to raise a family, Phyllis returned to work at Bellevue Hospital in Niskayuna in 1972, finally retiring to enjoy her grandchildren in 1995.

Phyllis was a Master ACBL Bridge player, competing around the Capital District, and enjoying many friendships at the Shelly Studio of Bridge and Games.  Phyllis was physically active throughout much of life and enjoyed golf, bowling, and aerobics. She was appreciated for her quick wit, mischievous sense of humor, and principled stands on a wide array of social issues. She was also an avid knitter, known for her custom designed sweaters which she made with love for all of her extended family.

Phyllis was predeceased by her husband, Robert, her son, Stephen French of Minneapolis, MN, and siblings, Rene Gawler and Gail Nelson of Detroit, MI, and Glenn Gawler of LIverpool, NY.

Phyllis is survived by her children: Susan (Danny) Oldfield of Colorado Springs, CO, David (Chitra) French of Pleasanton, CA, Paul (Jane Simpson) French of Oneonta, NY, Charles (Aimee) French of Glenville, and daughter-in-law, Virginia Sutton (late Stephen) of Minneapolis, MN; her cherished grandchildren: Diana (Bobby Kirby) Oldfield; Catie (Erik) Epple, Robert (Tonya) French, Michael, Maya and Nathan French; Ruby and Emilia French; Charles French Jr., Anna (Zack) Port, Evalyn, Isaac, David and Daniel French. She also leaves a legacy of six great-grandchildren: Emery, Easton, Victoria, Viviana, Victor Jr. and Finnian. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Relatives and friends will be received by the family on Saturday, January 5, 2019 from 2-4 PM in the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd. (Town Center of Glenville).  A Celebration of Life service will take place following these hours at 4 PM.

You may wish to make a memorial contribution in Phyllis' name to Community Hospice of Schenectady, 455 New Karner Rd. Albany NY 12205. Online condolences may be expressed to the French Family at Glenvillefuneralhome.com