Obituary of Phyllis Eve Hall

Phyllis Eve Hall, 87, of Elmira, passed away at home peacefully on Friday, July 28, 2017. She was surrounded by her loving family and her faithful dog Gianni.

          Phyllis was born June 25, 1930 to Rose and Joseph Farugie. She graduated from Ithaca City High School in 1947.

          A beautiful world was created by Phyllis when she met the love of her life, James Hall, while working at Cornell University. He was a young, handsome, student that was persistent in his pursuit. Several times she turned him down before finally accepting his offer for a date.

          A selfless, genuine, lovely woman, Phyllis believed beauty is just as important on the outside as on the inside. She was attractive, fashionable and never left the house without looking perfect.

          Phyllis created in her home the very essence of what is home—love, presence, delicious food, and being interested in people. Every Sunday she opened her house to family and anyone else who wished to join them for spaghetti and meatballs. She loved to entertain. On one occasion she replaced the water in the fountain in her Sun Room with champagne for her guests. On the weekends she often shot skeet, and played golf.  She loved to give, entertain, enjoy life, cook and give more. 

          Phyllis was a strong woman with a hot Sicilian temper… the tiffany lamps in her home still show evidence of a well-aimed pot. With that same passion she fought for what she believed was best for her family—her number one priority. She was the matriarch of the family and laid strong roots.

          Phyllis raised her own four children, and also helped raise her twin grandchildren, Sandy and Liz, when her youngest son had children at a very young age.

          Every day she prepared three meals for her family, and when her husband worked late running his business, she made a second dinner for him when he came home, often after 10pm.

          On Sundays, which were designated for family, no matter what, if the Ithaca kin didn’t come to Elmira, Phyllis loaded everyone in her 1965 Cadillac convertible and drove to Ithaca to spend time with relatives there. 

Phyllis was a stay-at-home mom. Later she worked as a secretary in her husband’s businesses, first the Hall Heating Company, and later her husband’s law office.

Phyllis has joined the love of her life and is, once again, making their house a home. 

          Phyllis is survived by her children Gaile Hall Beizavi of Elmira, Jim (Laurie) Hall of Endwell, John (Kitty) Hall-Thurnheer of Ithaca; and her sister Shirl (Kirk) Branchini. She was predeceased by her daughter Terri; her husband, James; her brothers  Angelo and Joe; her sister Anna Marie; and her grandson Andrew Hall. Phyllis also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and her dog Gianni, who has gone to live with her grandson, Ryan Beizavi.

          A memorial service will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes church at 10:30am, Saturday, September 9. Friends and family are invited for lunch directly following the service at Phyllis’s home.