Phyllis T. Garbacz (nee Wereski) passed away peacefully at home on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90, with her family by her side. Born on May 7, 1935, Phyllis was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.
Phyllis was a dedicated Customer Representative at American Express and took great joy in helping to raise her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was known for her love of game shows, particularly Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and Let’s Make a Deal. Phyllis grew up in Buffalo, New York, and lived in the Syracuse, New York area, Las Vegas, Arizona, and Michigan. She also traveled to Paris, London, and saw the Eiffel Tower, and just loved New Orleans. She also always loved indulging in dessert with every meal, especially chocolate.
She was predeceased by her best friend and the love of her life, her husband, the late Leo “Mickey” Garbacz, Jr.
Phyllis was the beloved mother of Michele (Bob) Kokal, Mark (Karen) Garbacz, Martin (Mary) Garbacz, Mary Lynn (Bob) Edwards, Susan (Robert) Dierken, and the late Michael Garbacz.
Her legacy continues through her loving grandchildren, Emilee (Matt) Wilson, Teresa (Paul) Feimer, Kathleen Argent, Lauren (Darren) McKie, Lindsey Garbacz, Jeremiah (Elise) Garbacz, Zechariah Garland, Rachel Garbacz, David (Meiling) Edwards, Bobby Edwards, Jessica (Fiancé James Bardo) Mosher, Jacob (Amanda) Garbacz, Michael Garbacz, Jr., Benjamine Garbacz, Kim (Wes) Garbacz, Alex (Fiancée Niko) Dierken, Adam (Clarissa) Dierken and the late Christopher M. Edwards, and her great-grandchildren, Mila, Enzo, Tessa, Millie, Norah, Ruby, C J, Zackary, Halley, Dawson, Bella, Rose, Sabrina, Jillian, AvaMay, Autumn, Johnathon, Owen, Esmeralda and Moises, who will cherish her memory.
Phyllis was the devoted daughter of the late Emma (nee Nykiel-Tyczka) and John Wereski, and sister to the late Constance (late Richard) Kramer and late Richard Wereski.
She is also remembered by her nieces, nephews, cousins, and childhood friends Alice, Agnes and the late Eleanor.
A funeral service will be held at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, 700 Pine Ridge Heritage Blvd., in Cheektowaga, New York 14225, on Thursday, July 10th at 1 PM. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Cemetery Office near the Main Gate to celebrate her remarkable life.
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