Phyllis L Stersic

Phyllis L. Stersic, 82, passed away peacefully at home on May 28, 2023, in New Port Richey, FL. Her long and valiant battle against cancer and Alzheimer’s was a testament to her strength, determination, and courage in facing life challenges with a smile.

She was born on December 6, 1940, in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Edward and Phyllis Coleman. Growing up in metro-Detroit, Phyllis graduated from Bentley High School in Livonia, MI. Having an eye for detail, amazing organizational skills, the belief that any job worth doing is worth doing well, combined with her friendly pleasant personality allowed her to excel as a homemaker, medical receptionist, dental receptionist, eventually retiring from the dental field as an office manager. After retiring to New Port Richey, Florida in 2001, she enjoyed volunteering alongside her friends and neighbors at the annual Seven Spring Golf and Country Club yard sale.

Throughout the years, Phyllis embraced various hobbies to include sewing, swimming, water skiing, traveling, and dancing. She loved any kind of dancing: slow dancing, modern dance, line dancing. She laughed and giggled her way through belly dance lessons. Her passion for dancing was life long and Phyllis would often slow dance in the living room, swaying to the music. She also found great pleasure in the wonder of nature. She was filled with joyfulness by a sunny day, the sight of birds seeking their morning feast, a bunny running past, squirrels chasing each other around a tree, and butterflies fluttering in the garden.

Phyllis loved her family and delighted in her grandchildren, et al. She relished their hugs, kisses, cuddles, and catching bubbles with them. As they grew, she was so proud of them and their accomplishments. Her family will greatly miss her infectious laugh and loving winks. Her memory will remain forever in our hearts.

She is survived by her children Janet Bono (Edward Telles) of New Port Richey, FL, James George (Marie) of Ocoee, FL, Susan Odden (Jeff) of Highland, MI, and Gary Stersic of Monroe, MI, sister Lynne Coleman of Belleville, MI, 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson, and longtime companion Robert Bleadow of New Port, Richey, FL. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband of over 28 years, Gerald “Jerry” Stersic. The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, June 1 st , 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Michels & Lundquist Funeral Home, 5228 Trouble Creek Rd., New Port Richey. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 2nd, at 10 a.m. at Michels & Lundquist. A committal service will follow at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in Phyllis’s honor may be made.