Phyllis Turner Armstrong, 89

Phyllis Turner Armstrong O.C.D.S., 89, of Lancaster, PA, died June 6, 2011, at Willow Valley. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Phyllis was the daughter of the late Stanley and Frances Cyganek. She was preceded in death by her late husband Norman Turner, and her sister, Janice Norton, of California.

A longtime resident of Poway, California, Phyllis moved to Willow Valley in 2007, becoming a regular parishioner of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. Phyllis was an ordained Carmelite nun and an active member of the Carmelite Ministry for over 30 years.  Prior to moving to Willow Valley, Phyllis was an active member of San Rafael Catholic Church, in Poway, California.

Phyllis received her nursing degree in 1946. She worked as a surgical nurse at Lake Forest Hospital (Illinois), and a local physician.  After moving to California, she became a regular volunteer for the Poway hospice program. She was an avid traveler, having had the opportunity to visit every continent. She was devoted to her family, and organized numerous “family reunions” over the years.

Devoted wife and mother, Phyllis is survived by her four children, daughters Mary, wife of Charles Stepnowski of The Villages, FL; Margaret, wife of Harry Phillips, of Kennett Square, PA, Brenda, wife of Dean Safer, of Eagle River, WI; and son George, husband of Judy Turner of Blandon, PA. Phyllis is also survived by eight grandchildren; Brian Coldren, of Jefferson Maryland; Julie Haydon of Warrenville, Illinois; Laura Phillips of Bellingham,Washington; Megan Turner of Muskego, Wisconsin; John Turner of Austin, Texas; Michelle Jensen of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Elizabeth Stepnowski of Houston, Texas; Matthew Stepnowski of Middletown, Delaware; and three great grandchildren, Trinity Coldren, and Kira Coldren, of Jefferson, Maryland; and Graham Haydon of Warrenville, Illinois.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Service at the Johnson Auditorium in Willow Valley North, 600 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster, PA on Saturday, June 25 at 3:00 P.M. There will be a memorial mass at St. Joseph Church, 440 St. Joseph Street, Lancaster, PA 17603, on Saturday, June 25 at 10:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Phyllis Turner’s memory may be sent to the Carmelite Monestry, 5158 Howley Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116-1934. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661