It is with profound sadness that the family of Phyllis Stavola announces her passing at the age of 79, on August 22, 2024.
Born on October 28, 1944, in Chicago, IL to the late Joseph and Catherine (Cervone) Stavola. Phyllis was the first daughter & second eldest child in her family. After graduating from Lindblom Tech High School, she went to work and became a successful entrepreneur building a legacy for her family. Phyllis owned multiple hair salons, founded a successful Mexican restaurant, was a para-legal, real estate agent, and most recently (prior to retirement) an auto-repair transmission shop.
The matriarch and glue of her family, Phyllis will eternally hold her role as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished friend. She was extremely proud of her Italian heritage, and shared this joyful part of herself through her renowned storytelling, timeless advice, baking and cooking, and her traditional Italian “S” cookies (among many other delightful recipes).
Phyllis was the heart of her family, known for her quick wittedness, sparkling smile and industrious personality. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Dawn Marie Latwis-Hillman (John Hillman), her loving son, Ronald Albert Latwis (Jennifer Latwis); and her dear sisters, 5 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and granddog. Joanne Stavola (Sister), Catherine Espada (Sister)(late Roldan), Samuel J. Krcmar (Dana) (Grandson), Leah A. Hillman (Derek Hite) (Granddaughter), Michael G. Latwis (Grandson), Ronald J. Latwis (Grandson), Elizabeth M. Latwis (Granddaughter), Rylie Krcmar (Great Granddaughter), Luca Krcmar (Great Grandson), Gino Krcmar (Great Grandson), Daisy [Dixie] Hillman (Granddog). Preceded in death by her eldest child, Debra Latwis (Daughter), and eldest sibling, Michael Stavola (Brother)(Late- Carol). Her family was her greatest treasure; she was a “Mom” to many and a friend to all.
Phyllis’ heart of gold and ability to make others feel seen, loved and valued will be profoundly missed. Her legacy of strength, dedication, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
“Thanks for the ride, Lady”.
The visitation of Phyllis will be held at Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, 701 E. Tarpon Avenue Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 on Friday, September 13th from 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. with visitation beginning at 3:00 P.M. and a remembrance at 4:00 P.M. A Mass will follow on September 14th at 1:30 P.M. at St Ignatius of Antioch Roman Catholic Church, 715 E Orange St, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. Immediate family and close friends are welcome.
Please help the family celebrate Phyllis’ bright soul and beautiful life by feeling free to wear cheerful colors at both the visitation and Mass; black attire is not essential but welcomed at both the visitation and Mass.
In Lieu of flowers, please help keep Phyllis’ legacy on this world alive & do what she would do. Help a neighbor, call a friend, mend a broken relationship and spread love to one another.
Thomas B Dobies Funeral Home - Tarpon Springs Chapel
St Ignatius of Antioch Roman Catholic Church
Rebecca Hite
September 5, 2024, 12:09 am
Dear Hillman Family,
We know that with a legacy as rich as this that she will continue to live on in your memories, traditions and celebrations. What a beautiful woman she was inside and out. We are praying for you all through this.
Much Love,
The Hite Family
Dawn Wyllie
September 5, 2024, 9:10 pm
I had many good laughs with Phyllis she was a great lady.
Wishing you and your family peace+comfort with all your loving memories 💜
Kathy Berg
September 5, 2024, 9:20 pm
Joanne and the ENTIRE Stavola family; Please accept my sincere condolence on the loss of such an amazing woman. I didn’t know Phyllis very well. I only knew that she was the nice, kind and pretty sister of my equally pretty friend, Joanne. After reading all of her accomplishments, I am overwhelmed and yet saddened at such a great loss to each and every one of you.
Sincere wishes for all to gain the strength to get through these trying days ahead. Sincerely, Kathy Berg
Barbara Nelson
September 5, 2024, 9:25 pm
Dear Dawn and family
I adored your mother and we had gone out to lunch not too long ago for Mexican.
She is in the arms of Jesus and hope you get comfort from that
Love
Barbara Nelson
Harbor Woods
Terri
September 5, 2024, 10:32 pm
Dear Dawn and family
We were deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your dear mother. Please know that my heart goes out to you and your loving family during this difficult time. Your Mom was obviously a very strong, courageous, inspirational, and precious lady heart-felt
lady who meant a lot to so many people outside her family. Take care. Our thoughts from the UK are with you all. Love and hugs Mr and Mrs K
Clara Hughes
September 6, 2024, 2:42 am
Dawn & family,
Your mom was an amazing woman. Brave, courageous & loving. You’re in my prayers. You have my condolences and love. Clara
joseph rosina
September 7, 2024, 3:04 am
joseph ,
Dearest Dawn & family …
Now i can return the gesture of ,
mama support after you have ,
been there for mine &
i am there for yours .
They both are enjoying food together ,
up in heaven .
i really enjoyed our comparative menu analysis of holidays as i remember your mom loved bbq if memory serves me correctly .
Missed all the time ,
never forgotten &
always with us . . .
Love & lasagna ,
the Rosina family .
Janine Barnes
September 12, 2024, 12:59 pm
To the family, be comforted in knowing that Phyllis is in a better place where there is no worries, pain, chores to tend around the house. We didn’t know that the joyous lunch we had a few weeks before she passed was going to be the last. I offer you my most sincere sympathy.
Ginger Alemaghides
September 13, 2024, 2:16 am
Phyllis’s wisdom was a guiding light for many. She had an uncanny ability to give a comforting word when it was needed the most.
Phyllis, she was a real rock, wasn’t she? Always standing tall, I personally really looked up to her as an independent role model.
Sending a whole lotta love to the family. Hope reminiscing the good times you had with her puts a smile on your faces in these tough times.
Lonnie Wilkins
September 17, 2024, 9:04 pm
Dawn and the entire family Phyllis was a wonderful woman and such a fun-loving person as a kid with her and my Grandpa Ron. Tons of great memories visiting as a kid and being treated like a part of the family and hanging out with Sam as kids. I’m sorry for your loss and they sure don’t make ’em like Phyllis anymore. RIP
Dawn Latwis
September 22, 2024, 10:36 am
Mom,
It’s been a month since you went to be with Grandpa and Debbie. I will miss you till my last breath. But I will also smile and remember that you taught me everything I know and that you shared your incredible strength with me throughout my lifetime. I will lean into your love and strength as I navigate these new waters without you. More people than you know were affected by your sudden passing. Your heart touched many. But always know that me and my babies and grand babies will keep you alive by sharing our memories and love for you. “Thanks for the Ride Lady”, Love, Dawn