Phyllis Rae Bressler

Phyllis Rae Bressler, age 92, of Shamokin, passed away Sunday, July 8, 2018 at Select Specialty Hospital, Danville. She was born on Tuesday, December 22, 1925, in Hegins, a daughter of the late Lloyd H Bressler and the late Annie M (Stutzman) Bressler. She was a 1943 graduate of the former Hegins Twp High School and 1947 graduate of the former West Chester State Teacher's College. Phyllis taught music in Orwigsburg High School from 1947 to 1948 and then at Shamokin High School from 1948 until her retirement. During summers she played piano in a trio at a number of venues at the New Jersey shore. She directed the school choir and many school musicals. Ms. Bressler was beloved by her students, and many kept in contact with her long after graduation. Some of her students went on to successful musical careers including performances on Broadway. After retirement Phyllis directed the Shamokin Community Choir "The Choraleers". She was a member of "The Cecilian Club", a Shamokin musical group. She also gave private piano lessons. In her younger years she enjoyed fly fishing and small game hunting with her brother Leo. In later years she enjoyed playing golf and traveling with her friends, especially her travels to New York City to see musicals and plays and to New Mexico, where she indulged her interest in Native American lore. Phyllis was a long time fan of Penn State football, and attended many games. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and looked forward to the challenging New York Times puzzle every Sunday. Her friends and relatives in her hometown of Hegins remained important to her. Phyllis was a member of Salem United Church of Christ, Shamokin, where she was the piano accompanist for the church choir. In her early years she attended Friedens United Church of Christ, Hegins. During her last years, Phyllis was able to remain at home because of the excellent care given by Brenda Duran, and Brenda's family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and by a brother, Leo A Bressler. She is survived by a nephew, William L Bressler, MD and his wife Linda S (Mowery) Bressler of Huntingdon; a niece, Ann Lee Bressler and her husband Robin B Barnes of Davidson, NC; a great niece, Molly L Barnes; four great nephews, Morgan B Barnes, David W Bressler, Adam L Bressler, and John W Bressler and his wife Caroline; two great great nephews, Hans W Bressler and Jack M Bressler; and a great great niece, Quinn Isabel Kao. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2018, at the Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View. Services will be held at Salem United Church of Christ, Shamokin, on Sunday, July 15, 2018, at 3:00 pm, with Rev. Jean Eckrod officiating. There will be no viewing or visitation prior the service on Sunday. Burial will be private in Friedens Cemetery, Hegins. Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com.

Phyllis Rae Bressler

December 22, 1925 - July 8, 2018