Mary Phyllis Easton

Guilderland- Mary Phyllis Easton, 82, of Guilderland, NY, formerly of Liverpool, NY, died peacefully at home on May 22, 2017, surrounded by family. Mary, known as Phyllis by friends and family, was born in Syracuse, NY to Mary Gladys Toles Marks and Allen Kenneth Marks. Sister of Allen Kenneth Jr., she was a cherished child, who was raised to be a concert pianist. However, Phyllis felt called to be a nurse, and in 1955 she graduated with honors from St. Joseph's School of Nursing. She remained with St. Joseph's until her retirement in 1999, working as a dedicated nurse caring for new mothers and their babies. She was married to George Dent (dec 1988) and together they had five children: Michael C. Dent (dec 2006), Kathleen M. Snyder (Leland, NC), Brian J. Dent (Leland, NC) Virginia J. Ugolini (Londonderry, NH) and Maureen E. Watson (Guilderland, NY). In 1986, Phyllis was remarried to her loving husband Marshall F. Easton, happily adding two more adult children, Richard Easton (Troy, NY) and Susan Easton Bebernes (Pompei, NY) to Phyllis' life. Marshall and Phyllis took many adventures together, traveling to sites within the United States and overseas. In addition to Marshall and her children, Phyllis is survived by her sisters-in-law Marion Phillips and Faun Dent, son in law Mark R. Watson, daughter-in-law Diane Easton, son-in-law Jack Bebernes, daughter-in-law Susan Dent, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Grandchildren include Jack and Kate Watson, Christopher and Cameron Ugolini, Sara and Eric Bebernes, Danielle, Connie and Michael Dent Jr., Steven Snyder and Sean McCarthy. Phyllis was a loving, dedicated mother and grandmother, faithful friend, and adoring wife, and will be missed intensely. She was a constant supporter of the Catholic Church, and a member of Christ the King Church in Liverpool, where she sang for many years with the choir. She was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and gave generously to many different causes. She had a high regard for education, and encouraged all of her children to attain as much education as they could. She was proud of her own achievements as a student, as well as all of her children's and grandchildren's accomplishments. She had a passion for nursing and nutrition, even as a retired nurse, and loved to talk medical "shop". She also loved traveling, history, reading, walking, and perusing gardens, museums, and book stores. Phyllis and her family would like to thank all of her friends and family who have been supportive during her last years. Special thanks to her wonderful caregiver Michele Hennig, who made life safer and much happier over the last year. A funeral service will be held at Christ the King Church in Liverpool, NY on June 8th at 11:30AM, immediately followed by a reception in the Parish Fellowship Center; all are welcomed to attend.