On July 13, 2018 Phyllis Mary Ann (Kotowski) Shea was welcomed into eternal peace at the age of 89. Her loving children were by her side to comfort her knowing she is now free to be with her beloved husband, daughter and parents who have gone before her.
Phyllis was the eldest daughter of four children born to the late Casimer and Bernice Kotowski. Being born at a little over two pounds at birth she developed her strong will and determination, which remained with her the rest of her life. Her elementary education began when she attended St. Josaphat School where her Christian values were formed and reinforced by her parents. At Merrill Middle School and Oshkosh High School she studied home economics and was part of the Drama Club. Countless hours were spent during these years with her sister Marcella enjoying their love of ice skating at the local ice rink.
She met a hard working farmer named Robert Shea and married him on February 26, 1949. Together they purchased the century old family farm and raised four children. While on numerous bus excursions after retirement, they found an appreciation for the warmth of Arizona and the magnificence of the Tennessee Mountains. Phyllis had many talents including sewing her daughter’s wedding dress which then became a baptismal gown for the next generation of grandchildren. The aroma of her wonderful home cooking filled the farm house on a daily basis. Canning in the summer and candy making at Christmas time were always special treats that were enjoyed by her family. She was active in the Beautification Committee in the town of Utica as well as a member of the Utica Homemakers whose mission was helping others who were in need in the community. Phyllis found the love of clogging where she took pride in her dancing and formed several new friendships. As a daughter she was a selfless caregiver who became an example to others of the importance of giving to others in their time of need. She loved and worried about her grandchildren. As a grandma she left her grandchildren unforgettable Christmas memories with her “Mrs. Claus” apron and her love of carrying on the Polish and Irish traditions of their heritage. Visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brightened her life.
Phyllis was loved and will be missed by her survivors, daughter Ellen (Tom) Lloyd, son Robert (Sue) Shea, daughter Susan (Jeff) Houle all of Oshkosh; grandchildren, Jerod (Shelby)Lloyd, Josh (Jessie) Lloyd, Jennifer (Mark) Rutkowski, Tracy (Jay) Oblewski, Lisa (Derek) James, Tennelle (Marc) Davis, Melissa (Nick) Malinowski, James Briese, Haley Bradley, Jason (Ally) Houle; great-grandchildren, Malley Jo, Greysen, Leighton, Kase Lloyd, Jacob, Kylie, Zach Davis, Olivia, Gwyn Malinowski, Maddie, Seamus, Lily Rutkowski, Aspen, Evan Oblewski and Blake Houle. She is also survived by her brothers Florian (Marge) Kotowski of Denver, CO. and Marvin Kotowski of Oshkosh. Phyllis will also be remembered by numerous nieces and nephews as well as extended family members Jeff (Lynn)Briese, Keven Bradley and Jean Shea. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, her daughter Linda Briese, both her parents and her sister, Marcella Woodland.
A special thank you to Allison Wehrmann for her care and compassion she gave to Phyllis throughout her stay at Evergreen. To all of the wonderful nurses, nursing assistants, social workers and staff at Evergreen who treated Phyllis as if she were a family member, we thank you.
Visitation for family and friends will take place Friday, July 20, 2018, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Parish, St. Vincent Catholic Church, 1225 Oregon Street, Oshkosh. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 at the church.
Mom--Thank you for teaching us value of love of family and how to persevere in good times and bad. Your greatest contributions are the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren you have left behind. We love you and will miss you. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

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