Phyllis G. Fye

Phyllis G. (Hallock Smith) Fye, 90, passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on July 8, 2023.   Born August 10, 1932 to Ward and Elizabeth Hallock, Phyllis grew up in Marathon, NY on her parent’s dairy farm.  A 1949 graduate of Marathon High School, she went on to Syracuse University, graduating in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in music and was a member of the Delta Zeta Sorority.  She subsequently received a master’s degree in education at SUNY Cortland in 1969. 

Phyllis lived in Fayetteville for over 50 years and was very active in the community where she raised her four children.  As an elementary school teacher in the Fayetteville-Manlius School District for nearly 30 years, she always had a piano in the classroom to orchestrate a positive, inclusive learning experience.  She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Fayetteville, volunteering her time as youth choir director, and later in life married fellow church member, Richard Fye, in 1989.  In retirement, she returned to her passion as an organist, playing at numerous churches until the age of 85.  She also was very active in supporting the Lost Boys of Sudan and InterFaith Works, and was a member of P.E.O. Chapter M, along with participating in bible & book, garden, and silver sneakers club activities. 

Phyllis always led her life with religious faith and giving of oneself.  She was independently strong, had a positive can-do attitude and most importantly, a devoted mother and grandmother.  She enjoyed attending symphony and opera concerts, playing golf, and cheering on The Orange. 

Her memory will be cherished by her children: Katherine (Christopher) Sands, Cynthia (Russ) Truby, Laura Patrick, Kevin (Simone) Smith and her 11 grandchildren: Emily Patrick, Hannah Patrick, Kendra (Brian) Moon, Madelyn Patrick, Alexandria Truby, Rebecca Truby, Alexander Sands, Matthew Sands, Katya Quinn, Colin Smith, Maya Smith and her great granddaughter Veda Moon.  She was predeceased by her husband, Richard, and her brother, Paul Hallock. 

A memorial service will be Saturday, August 5th at 2:00 p.m. held at United Methodist Church of Fayetteville, 601 E. Genesee St., Fayetteville. 

Contributions may be made to interfaithworkscny.org, the United Methodist Church of Fayetteville, P.O. Box 158, Fayetteville, NY 13066, or a charity of your choice.

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