Phyllis Uyeno Obituary

Alway cherish fond memories of Phyllis Stevenson Uyeno of Port Chester, home of which I had the great opportunity to share for a period of time.

I called her Mom.

Miss you.

Dear Meg and family,
I have such fond memories of your mom, especially her dedicated involvment with the AFS. She certainly led an amazing life. Please give my condolences to everyone. She will be in my prayers.

With all my sympathy, Carole Fulco

Dear Meg,

Although I cannot make it to attend the ceremony tomorrow of 21 April, please accept yet again my deep condolences and I can't possibly convey in message how sorry I am for "Our Losses".

Ever since coming back from the AFS year, my life has been very fast and full of changes as you may have known. One thing though, I've always have taken for granted that there is a certain place, a root may be, of friends and family in New York. It seems the loss of mom not only a loss of a great and warm personality, but also my personal loss of a connection there is to my distant memories of teenage years.

As much as I wanted to revisit the US, your family, Port Chester, and the "House" once again for the last time, it is very complicated at this time.

Please be reminded however that my heart is with you and your family throughout. And, please if you come this way yet again, please let me know.

Truly yours,
Yotsiri Mitpaibul

It is only as the memorial approaches that I can truly absorb that Phyllis (aka "Foofus" in this later years) is no longer with us. My childhood, and becoming a young woman is full of personal, one-on-one and family times with Phyllis that shaped aspects of my life and influenced me as a woman and how I view and see things. She was instrumental in reigniting my passion for international travel and cultural experiences, I became interested in fine perfume and clothes much to her credit (!) and I loved the feeling of the Uyeno home, which was much like my own but also distinctly different in ways that added to my teenage life. I loved Phyllis like a dear friend, and at times a type of mother role, and she was true family in all ways. How blessed I feel to have grown up with the simplicity and joy of being at the lake, our meals, close conversations and fun at Lafayette Drive and then years later our adult fun in the city and in Rye; and that my son knew her well enough to call her Foofus along with her grandchildren. Meg's dedication and creation of a new family to surround her daily and weekly always warmed my heart. With love to you all with gratitude and warmth and in celebration for what was and for all that we are and will be having known Phyllis. xoxoDana

Dear Meg,
I have a vivid memory of your mom, always the consummate hostess. It was the morning after Senior Prom (I guess prior to Jones Beach). Your mom invited many of us to breakfast. We sat around your round dining room table. The dining room was so warm, decorated impeccably. I think there was a Wedgwood blue print wallpaper. The food was of course delicious! I remember going into the kitchen and a back area where a convection oven sat. Your mom explained the virtues of cooking with convection! Phyllis Uyeno, always on the leading edge! Her many gifts live forever through her wonderful children and grand children.

Dear Don,
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your mom last fall. I just saw the memorial notice in the Ithaca Journal. My husband and I, with our two kids, moved back here to Ithaca from Germany late in 2005. We love it and all is well, kids are 11 (girl, 6th grade) and 16 (boy, IHS junior). I hope life is treating you well. Best, Laura Call Andolina

My condolences to the family.
Psalms 55:22.

Dear Nancy,
I was so saddened to learn of your mother's passing. I will always remember her extraordinary patience and good nature as we spent hours zooming throughout your yard playing Kick-the-Can. Janet and Tony were incredibly fond of her and your dad. I am very sorry to be in California on the day of her service. My regards and sympathies to you and your family. sincerely, Ceci Ellrodt Stone.

I am sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful mother, Phyllis Uyeno. I grew up in the same neighborhood with Nancy and her siblings. There was a feeling of unconditional love that I felt whenever I saw Mrs. Uyeno and her entire family. One never forgets anyone who emanates goodness ~ Phyllis Uyeno did just that. God Bless You All.

Dear Meg and Doug,
Will always cherish fonds memories at 33 Lafayette Drive, with mom and dad, and you always running around from one place to another.
Though time passes by so fast, I'm sure both Dad and Mom are living to the best and fullest of life.
All my best to all of you and your family, and wish I were there.
Love always,
Yotsiri Mitpaibul

I will always remember Phyllis's warmth,kindness and hospitality - one on one or in the midst of some big celebration on Lafayette Drive. She's still with us through all of the continuing good deeds of her "kids." I am so fortunate to have known such a terrific woman. Love always, Tom Stanton

Your Mom was a wonderful woman who always made me feel like part of your family.

You have been in my thoughts and prayers as I remember your wonderful parents. Your mom was the heart and soul of your family and she so freely offered her home, time and friendship. When I think of your mom I remember a rare combination of balance, warmth, strength and accomplishment. What a legacy for her family and a role model for us all. Some of our best childhood memories are with you in both Ithaca and Port Chester. Sending you my best wishes and love. Sue (Morenstein) Trugman

Dear, dear Family, Meg, Doug, Nancy, Don and Steve,
I am thinking of you all and sending you all positive energy and my love. I am so grateful to have known the friendship of your precious mother and father and shared music and wonderful meaningful times with them.
I hope you will know that while you were blessed with such extraordinary parents, they were also so lucky to have such an incredible family and to have been surrounded by your devotion and love. You are in my heart and thoughts every day. "Doni"

Meg, Nancy, Steven, Donnie, Doug, please accept my sincere condolences. I am one of those who considered Phyllis a "second mother" as I met her the year my own mother passed away. She and Donald opened their home to me. I have such fond memories of dinners at the house on Lafayette Drive and summer visits to the lake. Meg and I kept in touch after we moved away and I always enjoyed spending time with the Uyenos.

I vividly remember time spent with the Uyeno's both in Port Chester and Ithaca and have been reflecting on the generosity of Phyllis (and Donald) toward the band of proto-hippie-ish friends who were always trooping through. They were always generous, kind and "cool", tolerating and encouraging our maturing explorations with rebelliousness.

I extend my heartfelt sympathy to all the Uyeno family. Phyllis graced all our lives with her love, intelligence, humor, and her deep committment to her family, friends, and her beliefs. I feel honored that Phyllis sometimes called me her "third daughter". I loved being a part of your family where there was always something fun to do with someone!

I can't remember a time when I didn't know the Uyenos. I recall Phyllis nursing her newborn daughter, Meg. I'll never forget Doug running down the sidewalk carrying a hat rack calling "Meyiah!" Don Chon always had a smile and was ready for a game. Steven teased me, and I'm still not quite sure how my bicycle pump dropped from his hands into the sewer! Nancy and I grew up spending lots of time together from Ginny dolls to high school activities. I shared some memorable trips to the cottage, and today I even have a "gwa-jo" on my front porch! Phyllis and Don even allowed me to return to P.C. with a 24-lb. pumpkin --carried on my lap as space was at a premium.

Thank you, Phyllis, for introducing me to John G. Magee's poetry, Mr. Uyeno's Saturday morning scrambled eggs with soy sauce, no milk carton allowed on the dining table, and a wonderful HOME!

I most remember her sweet sensitive smile, I must of been 12 or 13 when I met Mrs Uyeno for the first time. (Always referred to in our group, as Meg's Mom.) Thereafter, I don't think I ever went to a town or school function where she wasn't pitching in, keeping us in line or lending her support. A true "mother of us all"

Her gorgeous children and their achievements alone pay homage to this great lady. The entire Uyeno family opened their hearts and home to a world community which in turn opened all of our hearts and minds.

Thank you Steven, Don, Nancy, Doug and Meg for sharing your lovely mom with all of us... Who ever met Phyllis Uyeno had to be touched by her love, kindness and elegant class, I know I was!

We will always have such fond memories of the times we spent with your family, both here in Port Chester, and at "Gwa-jo" in Ithaca! To Steven, Don, Nancy, Doug and Meg - your parents were such amazing people and good friends! Cherish the memories, and know that you have all touched our lives.

Joan and Dave Morenstein

Phyllis Stevenson Uyeno was my mom.

Like many other AFSers, learning the American language, cultures and many of the things apart from the normal school curriculum was every day excitements as part of an exchange student life. For mine, knowing Phyllis and Donald Uyeno as Mom and Dad was not only part of my experience but also a joy. The memories of their warmth, joyfulness, supports and things they taught me had been a part of my life ever since and have served me well throughout my life. I drifted around the world as part of my decade-long career in the Thai Foreign Services with experiences I have gained and taught by them of how to adjust, adapt and be well in the many cultures I have since dwelled.

My career gave me the opportunity to visited the US again back in the 90's, negotiating for my government in Washington D.C., and provided me with the opportunity to revisit Mom again in their home in Port Chester, New York. Phyllis and Donald Uyeno opened their house and treated me as part of their family back then as AFS student, and yet again as representative of my government. I felt at home knowing then there has always been another family for me in Port Chester, New York.

Phyllis was strong, supportive, kind, and has never hesitated to provide guidance with energetic and joyful personality. The loss of Phyllis for the Uyenos is also a great loss for me.
Yotsiri Mitpaibul, Bangkok, Thailand.

Aunt Phyllis, A very special and elegant person in my life. I have so many happy memories growing up with our families hanging out together at the lake or at each other's houses. I know she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A gracious woman whose vibrant energy empowered all whom she embraced. She will be missed.
Ginny and Chet Risio

'Second mother' indeed! To children of all ages and quite a few adults, "Phyllie", as her late husband used to call her, was a tower of strength and understanding. Her interest in and embrace of life was huge; her ability to feel for and connect with individuals greater still. Articulate and passionate and smart in expressing her feelings and convictions, you realized just how good a listener she was when she sharply disagreed with you, as she could shred your position point by point if need be.
What else to say? Her ability to make you welcome in her home was beyond compare, her circle of friends a pleasure to know. A party at the Uyeno house was always a good time. Phyllis's sense of style was as focused as the clearest photograph.
The last few years were tough, as ill health and failing strength made it difficult to live up to the standards to which she held herself. But if you got her on the phone on a good day, she was sharp and funny, a bit acerbic about the difficulties of the 'Golden years', as ever determined and curious.
To her kids especially, and to all who feel the loss: let our sorrow be tempered by gratitude, for we were lucky to have had her.

"When someone you love (or admire) becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." I may not have see Mrs. Uyeno in many years, but I have always had the fondest memories of her opening her home generously to all of us, smiling broadly, and treating me as an additional one of her own. I think I often felt more comfortable and at home on Lafayette than at Quintard Drive! She, and your entire family, will be in my thoughts and prayers for many reasons (AFS one to name a few!) ~ she helped create many of my fond elementary (garanimals), junior, and senior high school memories. May that "Treasure" be reunited with her true love in heaven and live on in peace to love and serve the Lord!
With much love to Meg and her family,

To the beautiful people who are here today because of Phyllis and Don Uyeno's love and wisdom: Steve, Nancy, Don Jr. Doug and Meg. Your mother always played a major role in Port Chester's circle of families. Whether as an avid audience member at all the shows, a sparkplug in all American Field Service activities, HDS board member, church and community activist,
Phyllis was and will always be thought of as a woman for all seasons. We have been blessed to have her in our world and will miss her deeply. With so much love to all of you!!!

We will always remember Phyliss so fondly. Me, as Mrs. Uyeno and many wonderful years on the lake. She was an everyday part of my happy summer memories.
Our boys will remember her as "Phoofus". The very welcoming and much loved Granmdmother to their best lake buddies Will and Steven.
Our hearts are with you all. I am happy she now can return to the lake to resume her favorite spot, next to Mr. Uyeno. God bless. Susie, Beav, Jack Owen and Will