Phyllis Rose Gnagi, age 74 and a lifelong resident of McKean, died Friday, February 17, 2012 at Golden Living Center – Walnut Creek following a short illness. Born in McKean on August 27, 1937, she was one of four children of the late John and Mary Dobransky Gnagi.
For many years, Phyllis worked as a secretary at Travelers’ Insurance, then Zurn Industries, and finally Bliley Electric from which she retired. She was an avid polka dancer and she was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in McKean for over 50 years. Phyllis will be remembered as a loving and giving person, and as a special aunt to her several nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.
Family members that remain include– sister, Shirley Parker; brother, Kenneth Gnagi and his wife Mary Ann; and sister, Beverley Ferrick, all of McKean; also, several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9pm. Funeral services will take place there Tuesday morning at 11:00am with Rev. Ron Freebourn, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in McKean officiating. Interment will follow at Sterrettania Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 4950 Old North Main Street, McKean, PA 16426.
Phyllis was a lovely, caring person and I (and many others, I’m sure) feel blessed that she touched my life. While she will be deeply missed here, I am sure that she has a special place in heaven and rests now in the mercy and peace of God’s loving arms. My deepest regrets that I cannot attend the funeral, and my deepest condolences to her sisters, brother, nieces and nephews, and all her family- who are all special people. God bless you all.
Phyllis was a close friend of my mother, Maggie Balter, for many years. I remember visits to the family farm as a child, going way back to a time when her father, John, was making maple syrup and when he tried to teach us how to milk the cows. She was very kind amd generous to our whole family with remembrances for Birthdays, Christmas, and even my parents’ wedding Anniversaries.
I am very saddened to discover that the latest Christmas card from her will be the last I will ever receive. Her cards always contained interesting news and events as well as her perfect penmanship and many colorful stickers.
She will always have a special place in my heart and my condolences to all the family for the loss of a lovely lady.
My heart is heavy because I will miss Phyllis terribly but I know our Father in Heaven will welcome her with open arms.
Deepest sympathies to the family.