Phyllis Lachowyn Obituary

Phyllis A. Lachowyn

May 7, 1943 - Aug 27, 2024

Sandusky

Phyllis A. "Phyl" (Gladwell) Lachowyn, 81, residing in Sandusky, passed away early Tuesday morning, Aug. 27, 2024, at home after a brief illness.

She was born May 7, 1943, in Anthony, West Virginia, to Calvin and Virgie (Landrum) Gladwell. Her family moved to Sandusky in 1956. She was a 1961 graduate of Sandusky High School, the first class to spend all four years at the then new high school.

She worked as a secretary at Columbia Gas District Office in Norwalk and retired after 14 years of dedicated service. Phyllis was an active member of Norwalk First United Methodist Church since 1967 and devoted her time to various local volunteer organizations, including CASA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Care & Share, as well as Habitat for Humanity and The Botanical Gardens in Naples, Florida. She also tutored recent immigrants in English as a second language in Naples.

Phyl's curious mind and voracious appetite for learning led her to travel the world and explore different cultures, learn a foreign language, and learn to play the piano at age 70. She and Dan also enjoyed the toil of working in their yard and garden.

With a warm smile, welcoming attitude, and southern grace, Phyl was the perfect balance among any group she was with, whether welcoming new friends or blending an extended family. She took great joy and pride in Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, which became legendary and built family memories that will long survive her time on this earth.

Phyl is survived by her husband, Daniel (Dan) Lachowyn, whom she married Oct. 12, 1991; son, Steven (Beverly) Carleton of Friday Harbor, Washington; daughter, Hope (Rich) Luongo of Cincinnati; Daniel J. (Julie) Lachowyn of Vermillion and Michael J. Lachowyn of Columbus; sister, Juanita Christ of Sevierville, Tennessee; brother, Bobby Gladwell; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Dan's son, Dave Lachowyn; Dan's daughter, Elise Lachowyn; granddaughter, Madeleine Luongo; and seven brothers and sisters.

Visitation for friends will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky. Phyl's funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at First United Methodist Church, 60 W. Main St., Norwalk, Ohio, 44857, with Pastor Ed Kovacik Jr. presiding.

Those wishing to contribute to Phyllis' memory may do so to the ALS Association, https://donate.als.org/; Dysphonia International, https://dysphonia.org/; or Victory Kitchen, 1613 Hayes Ave., Sandusky, Ohio, 44870.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.