Phyllis Wirth

February 28, 2021

In the early morning hours of February 28 2021, Phyllis Wirth, 92, of West Taghkanic, peacefully passed away, surrounded by family, ending her battle with Parkinson’s. Phyllis was born in 1928 in Moussoorie, India to missionaries George Asa Ackerly and Dorothy Eggleston Ackerly. Phyllis received her psychology degree from Westminster College, PA and her Masters in Education from Russell Sage College, Albany, NY. She taught 1st grade at the Greenport Elementary School for many years. One of her most rewarding experiences, aside from being a grandmother, was her part in the creation of the Hudson Day Care Center. Following the daycare’s inception she continued for many years to show support by volunteering at the train station’s snack bar raising money for the day care center. Until Parkinson’s took control, Phyllis was always on the go. She enjoyed hiking, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing, swimming, body surfing and playing tennis. She was vicious at croquet. When relaxing, Phyllis enjoyed reading, knitting, hooking and braiding rugs and following professional sports. Phyllis and her husband Allan enjoyed 65 wonderful years together until his passing a year ago. They loved to travel, mountain climb, camp and bird watch, especially with their friends Katy and Stan Bardwell. Phyllis touched and influenced many lives. She was non judgmental and accepting. In India, her family had the opportunity to meet Mahatma Gandhi, influencing her passion for peace. She was also passionate about protecting the environment. Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband Allan, parents George and Dorothy, sister Janet Gunn, brother in law Leigh Gunn and nephew David Kirk. She leaves behind her beloved daughters Dorothy Wirth, Christine (John) Sejan and Betsy Wirth (Renee Stone), grandchildren Adelaide and Sam Sejan, nieces Phyllis Gunn and Allison Kirk and nephews Andy, George, LB and David Gunn. She was Mimi to Joslyn, Emily and Kat and also leaves behind her beloved cat Morris. A special thank you to Jackie who cared for both Phyllis and Allan at home over the past few years and to neighbors Shirley and Elliot for their friendship and assistance. You are family and we love you. A special thank you to Denise who also cared for Phyllis near the end and to hospice for allowing us to fulfill her wish to pass at home. We cannot thank you enough. She will be sorely missed. Fly high Mimi! There are no services or calling hours.