Phyllis Benard

Phyllis Marie (Bowman) Benard, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 10, 2022, in Phoenix, AZ. Phyllis was born in Philadelphia, PA, on December 28, 1938, to Philip and Mary Bowman. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Barry Neil Benard and her grandson Aaron Benard. Phyllis graduated as valedictorian from Perryville HS in 1956 and then worked as a secretary at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. She met her future husband Barry through mutual friends while on a weekend visit to Lancaster, PA. Once they started talking to each other they never stopped for 58 loving years. Phyllis followed Barry out west to Phoenix, AZ, where they were married on July 18, 1959, and lived a long, successful and happy life together raising their family. Phyllis’ greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother. She was devoted to her family and was a formidable hostess. Phyllis expressed her love through her wonderful cooking and celebrations with family and friends. She was well-known for her Sunday family dinners and annual Christmas Eve parties. Gatherings at the Benard home were always fun and full of love and plenty of laughter.

Phyllis was a member of Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral Parish and school community for over 50 years. She loved reading and traveled extensively, but her favorite destinations were always close to home including summer vacations in San Diego and the family cabin in Flagstaff. She and Barry were loyal Arizona sports fans and long-time season ticket holders of the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Phyllis will be greatly missed but we are comforted in the knowledge that she is with our Lord and once again enjoying good conversation with her adoring husband Barry.

Phyllis is survived by her 4 children: Brian (Kathleen), Anne-Marie (Timothy), Brett (Kristen) and Brady. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren: Emily, Matthew (Elizabeth), Sheridan (Kirby), Brooks, Catherine, Blake, Sadie (Joel), Grace, Garrett, Emmie, Ethan, Kariss and Sophie; 5 great grandchildren; her sisters Mary Ann (William) Gross of Havre de Grace, MD, and Linda Notarcola of Perryville, MD, along with many dear nieces, nephews and extended family back east.

All services will be private.