Obituary of Phyllis B. Eggersdorf

Phyllis Mae (Benson) Eggersdorf passed peacefully into Heaven, on her 90th birthday, August 18, 2017, surrounded by all her children, at Schuyler Hospital. She fought the fight, and reached her goal of 90 years old! With broken hearts, we gently placed her in the Lord's loving arms. She will live on, in our hearts & memories. Phyllis was born on Fitzpatrick Hill, daughter of the late Charles & Alta Benson, and lived in Schuyler County her whole life. She was predeceased by her husband of 53 years, David J. Eggersdorf; son Leslie H. Eggersdorf; sisters & brother, Veronica Jean Benson, Cecile Johnson, Marguerite Clust & James Benson; son-in-law Owen Kerns; and daughter-in-law Kathy Eggersdorf. She is survived by her children, Emily Kerns (Randy), Ronald (Lyn), Bernard, & Douglas; grandchildren Veronica Bryington (Danny), Tammy Dostie (Marco), Carrie Peck (Aaron), Shaun Eggersdorf (Tiffany), & Alicia Eggersdorf; and nine great-grandchildren, Laurelle, Brooke, David, Skyler, Cameron, Brendan, Shaun, Jaylie, & Conner; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Phyllis was 'Mom' to many besides her own children – she was just that way! Phyllis grew up on a farm, and milked the cows and did many farming chores. She never lost the strength in her hands from this! She continued churning butter to sell after her Mom passed away. She went with her parents to the Old Barn, and danced to Woody Woodhull's music (round & square dancing) from the age of 8! She loved to dance, right up until she could no longer manage it. She married the love of her life, and they raised 5 children, whom they cherished! They lost Leslie in a tragic drowning accident in 1967. Mom was a great cook & baker – she grew large gardens to raise & can food for her family. Dad was gone a lot driving chartered bus, and she managed us 5 children on her own much of the time. She loved to crochet, and made many afghans, hats, scarves, ponchos, etc. for many people. She was our social butterfly – if there was a place to visit with people, Mom wanted to be there!! When people at Catherine Court would ask where she was going AGAIN, she adamantly answered, "I am going as long as I am able to – someday I won't be able to!" She knew so much about Schuyler County history– she could tell you all about the streets, all the stores along them, where everybody lived, and who married who, and so on. Her memory was impeccable!! Mom loved Jeff Gordon, and couldn't wait for the new NASCAR race season to start – she called Jeff 'her baby.' Her apartment was full of Jeff Gordon memorabilia! Mom started riding on the back of Doug's motorcycle at the age of 70! She loved to go for rides – everyone called her Motorcycle Momma! Phyllis was a member of the Burdett Presbyterian Church for many years. She loved her church and all her church family. When she became ill on May 28th – we said she needed to go to the hospital, but she asked if she could go to church first, and then to the hospital! The family wishes to thank all the staff and Seneca View and Schuyler Hospital, and previously at Arnot Ogden Hospital, for all the wonderful care they gave our Mom. She loved and appreciated everything you all did for her! She called the nurses 'my girls.' Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 from 5-7 pm at Vedder and Scott Funeral Home, 122 N. Genesee St., Montour Falls. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at 11:00 am at Burdett Presbyterian Church, 3995 Church St., Burdett. Burial will follow in Montour Cemetery.