Phyllis Sotis

Phyllis Jane Sotis, 90, of Winter Garden, adored wife, mother, mother-in-law, aunt, friend, and neighbor arrived in heaven on August 2, 2015. She departed peacefully at the home of her son Rick and daughter-in-law Mia Sotis, with her hand held by her son and daughter-in-law at her side. She was born in Sayre, Pennsylvania and was predeceased by husband Jack Sotis, her parents, Norman England and Cora (Getz)England, as well as 8 siblings. Phyllis leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grand nephews.

Phyllis was baptized into the Lutheran Church, but after their wedding at The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Nativity in Endicott she became a life time member of the Presbyterian Church, first in Endicott at Bonner Presbyterian, then Northminster Presbyterian Church in Endwell, NY, and at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church in Gotha, Florida. She graduated from Sayre High School in 1942, and worked at Endicott- Johnson Medical, McLain's Department Store, Luizzi Pharmacy, and finally Endicott Trust as a teller where she retired after 20 years of service in 1986.

She was a member of the American Legion Post 82 Auxiliary for 50+ years in Endicott. She was a member of the Women's International Bowling Congress (WIBC) for 60+ years. She was the T.V. winner of the BPAA City Tournament in 1961, and runner up in the Endicott Bulletin Tournament with Ralph Cheer in 1943. She also bowled against legendary Laverne Carter in a doubles exhibition match in the 60's at Rainbow Lanes. She also served the bowling community by coaching for the junior leagues at Riverhouse Lanes in Endwell, NY and at Carter Family Bowl in Winter Garden, Florida. Phyllis and Jack moved to Winter Garden, Florida from Endwell, NY in 1995 to be close to son Rick.

Despite dealing with vascular dementia she was able to go on a 60th wedding anniversary cruise in 2009, and then a trip to Italy in 2010. There wasn't anything athletic she couldn't do, from water skiing, diving, walking on stilts, playing softball, bicycling and golf. Her smile, laugh, and energy were unmistakable and infectious. Her love of people, and especially children were obvious. She never met a stranger, and never had a bad word to say about anyone. She will be missed by all especially her son Rick.

A celebration to honor her life is planned for August 22, 2015 at 12:00pm at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church 1450 Citrus Oaks Blvd., Gotha, Florida 34734, then interment of ashes at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd, Gotha, and returning to the church Fellowship hall for a reception for friends and family. Flowers and plants should be sent to the church on the day of the celebration, or in lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Cornerstone Hospice https://donate.cshospice.org/. Collison Carey Hand Funeral Home in Winter Garden is assisting the family with the arrangements.

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