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Phyllis Patricia Abel Henke

April 16, 1935 - June 11, 2022

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Obituary For Phyllis Patricia Abel Henke

With grace and surrounded with love, Phyllis Patricia Abel Henke, age 87, of Whitehall, passed peacefully on June 11, 2022. Devoted wife of the late Robert Lawrence Henke; beloved mother of Patricia Lee Henke (Jim) Bishop of Dover, OH and Robert Evan (Joyce) Henke of Havelock, NC; proud grandmother of Ross, Lindsey, Tyler, Travis, Tatumn, Tori, Trey, Tanner and Tessa; great-grandmother of Roscoe; daughter of the late Walter and Marie Abel; sister of the late Marie Abel and Walter (survived by Irene) Abel. Her greatest loves were her family, being a grandma and flowers. Her passion for gardening began in modest beds filled with cuttings from her childhood home and blossomed into an elaborate collection of perennials shared over her lifetime with her dearest friend Mary and other neighbors, friends and family across the country. An expert gardener, meticulous record-keeper, organizer and family planner, Phyllis was a graduate of Baldwin High School and Robert Morris. She was a vibrant lifelong learner and an avid reader who continued to pick up new interests and hobbies. She was a skilled seamstress, cross stitcher, enjoyed dancing to 60s, 70s and 80s music, and even kept up with social media on her computer. She volunteered for over 20 years at the Whitehall Public Library and fulfilled her earliest dreams of being an actress with the Baldwin Players in many productions where her most memorable role was as an Indian in Peter Pan. She enjoyed crafting, traveling, tennis, bowling, swimming and boating. She nurtured children and pets, had a quick wit, loved playing cards and board games and showed tremendous strength during the ebbs and flows of a life well-lived. Family and friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227 on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 from 2-4 p.m. where a funeral service will be held at 4:15 p.m. Interment will be held privately.

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Condolences

  • June 13, 2022

    Michelle Hedberg

    Patty, Jim, Ross and Lindsey. Mike and I are so sorry for your loss. I recall your mom's smile and humor. What a wonderful obit highlighting her full and gracious life. Michelle Hedberg & family

  • June 12, 2022

    Mary Beth Bavitz

    Your mother always made me feel welcome with her friendly smile and upbeat demeanor. I have many fond memories vacationing with your family in Nags Head. She was a lovely woman and will be truly missed.

  • June 12, 2022

    Carole Anderson

    Patty and Jim, so sorry for you with the passing of your Mom. We didn't know her but if she was anything like Patty, she must have been very special.

  • June 12, 2022

    Joanne Rufft

    I have plenty of fun memories of your Mom! She was fun to be around when we were growing up. I loved her gardens and her vivaciousness. May she always stay alive in your hearts!

  • June 12, 2022

    Karen Link

    Patty and Jim, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother/mother in law. I remember her fondly from my time at Paramount. May knowing she is now in heaven with God our Father being you peace and comfort at this time. Karen Link