Phyllis A. Szymczak

Phyllis Ann Szymczak, 83, of West Frankfort, Illinois, went home to rest with the Lord on December 14, 2020.

Mrs. Szymczak was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and a caring friend to everyone blessed with the good fortune to know her. Her bright smile, red lipstick, and unforgettable blonde hair would light up any room the moment she walked through the door. While she always maintained her beauty on the outside, it was her warm and caring inner beauty that truly shined through to everyone she knew. Always personable, Phyllis would instantly make you feel welcome from the moment she said hello. In addition, she was always prepared with something to share, be it her delicious homemade treats, recipes, or pictures of her beloved family.

Phyllis Szymczak was born on May 24, 1937 to Onufer and Fannie Dynis. She was a graduate of FCHS. She worked as head teller at the Bank of West Frankfort (now Banterra Bank) for 45 years until her retirement. Through her work she was well known to all in the local community. Phyllis married her husband Don on the 4th of July, 1960. They were together for over 60 years. They shared many anniversaries with their family and friends in Daytona Beach, Florida,watching the fireworks and enjoying the stock car races and time at the beach. While home was always West Frankfort, both Don and Phyllis loved to travel and visited places all over the world together. Among the places their travels took them to were Europe, Russia, Australia, the Middle East, Asia, and South America – seeing sights from the Great Pyramids in Egypt, to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, to the lost city of Machu Picchu in Peru.

Phyllis was a loving mother to her two sons, Jeffry and Gregory, and grandmother to her four grandchildren – Justin, Jessica, Olivia, and Felix. She took great pride in her family and always made sure they were well taken care of and loved. In her spare time, she enjoyed baking, arts and crafts, and gardening. When the holidays rolled around, her and her husband Don were always busy delivering her delicious homemade cookies and treats to everyone they knew.

Phyllis was one of a kind. Her sparkle will be missed but never forgotten.

She is survived by her husband Dr. Donald R. Szymczak of West Frankfort, Illinois; sons Jeffry (Julie) Szymczak of Port Orange, Florida, Gregory (Linda Yi-Li Chiu) Szymczak of Chicago, Illinois; granddaughter Jessica Szymczak of Port Orange, Florida, grandson Justin (Ashley) Szymczak of Neenah, WI, granddaughter Olivia Szymczak and grandson Felix Szymczak both of Chicago, Illinois; several nephews; one niece; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Mike and John Dynis; and sisters, Julia Parsons, Betty Schoen, Amelia Dynis, and Mayme Wojciechowski.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date at Parker-Reedy Funeral Home in West Frankfort. Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, Illinois.

Memorial contributions in memory of Phyllis A. Szymczak can be made to the West Frankfort Public Library to help purchase books for the local community. Donation's can be mailed to the West Frankfort Public Library, 402 East Poplar St. West Frankfort, Illinois 62896