Obituary of Phyllis C. Bretz

Smethport - Phyllis C. Bretz, 84, of Port Allegany, died Tuesday (December 17, 2013) in the Sena Kean Manor, Smethport. She was born May 20, 1929 in Olean, NY, a daughter of Leonard W. and Ernestine C. Peeler McGavisk. On July 14, 1951, she married Maurice Swanson, who died on December 17, 1978. On April 12, 1986 in Smethport, PA, she married Richard L. Bretz, who survives. Mrs. Bretz attended Smethport schools and was employed as a nurse’s aide at Stone Manor, now Lakeview Senior Care & Living Center, of Smethport. She retired in 1992. She was a member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Smethport, a member of the American Legion; John Berg Post #976 Auxillary of Crosby, PA and VFW Post #6391 Auxillary of Port Allegany, PA. Phyllis loved bowling, roller skating, dancing, singing, and writing letters. Being family oriented, Phyllis loved her family deeply. In addition to her husband, she is survived by: two sons: Edward (Donna) Swanson of Smethport and Roger J. Swanson two granddaughters: Kelly Swanson of Smethport and Jill (Kevin) Prince of Allegany, NY and three great grandchildren. three step-sons: Richard Leo Bretz of North Carolina, John E. Bretz of West Springfield, PA, and Richard L. Bretz, Jr. of St. Mary’s, PA two step-daughters: Linda Pesock of Coudersport and Tina Smith of Cyclone, and five step-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and first husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Rosemary Swanson, and a brother, William McGavisk. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, PA, where funeral services will be held on Friday at 10 A.M., with the Rev. Vincent P. Cieslewicz, pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, officiating. Committal will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Smethport. A Christian Wake service will be conducted in the funeral home on Thursday at 3:30 P.M. Memorials may be made to the Sena Kean Manor Activity Dept. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.