Phyllis Yager

Our loving friend, Phyllis, 60, succumbed to her battle with pancreatic cancer in the early morning hours of January 4th at the St. Lukes Hospice House in Bethlehem. Born and raised in Aliquippa, Phyllis of Bethlehem was the daughter of the late Philip and Constance (DAntonio). She was of the Catholic faith. After graduating from the Medical Technology Program at Penn State University she did her clinical training at Lankaneu Hospital. Her career began at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in Phila. After moving to the Lehigh Valley she worked at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Miller-Keystone Blood Center and most recently St. Lukes Hospital-Warren Campus as Blood Bank/Hematology Team Leader. Phyllis was a beautiful woman who will be fondly remembered for her straight forward and fair demeanor, her love of a glass of wine with a good meal, for her unforgettable laugh and her saucy swagger. She loved all things in nature and enjoyed gardening, feeding the birds, and playing with her cats, Gracy and Kelly. As a certified scuba diver she loved to spend time at the beach enjoying the wonders of the ocean. In the end, Phyllis was not afraid but was deeply concerned for those she was leaving behind. Her strength and resolve got her through this struggle and she did it “her way.” She will be remembered for her beauty and strength, both inside and out. She was an absolute joy to have as a friend.

Survivors: sister, Cynthia Mahler wife of Douglas Mahler of Aliquippa, a niece, Brooke Mahler of Tampa, FL. Her extended family of friends and co-workers who took care of her till the end, particularly her dearest friend Sheila Forstoffer and husband Ed. She referred to all of them as her “angels.” She is also survived by her feline children, Gracy and Kelly.

Services: A celebration of life will be held at 1 PM Saturday January 31st at the Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem. Calling hours will begin at noon.

Contributions can be made online or my mail to the Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, NY 11714 or the Alzheimer Association, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Fl., New York, NY 10001.

Visitation
Saturday, January 31, 2015
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Connell Funeral Home
245 E. Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Life Celebration Ceremony
Saturday, January 31, 2015
1:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA 18018
US
610-868-8531

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 East Broad St.
Bethlehem PA - 18018
US
610-868-8531