Phyllis Jean Armichardy-Quance

OWENSBORO, Ky. - Phyllis Jean Armichardy-Quance, 79, formerly of Bessemer, Michigan, and Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away in her sleep on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Owensboro, where she had resided since March 2023.

Phyllis was born on April 16, 1945, to Peter and Emily (Rigoni) Armichardy. She attended schools in Bessemer, St. Sebastian and Washington and graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in 1963.

After high school, Phyllis continued her education at Gogebic Community College and Northern Michigan University, where she earned a master's degree in elementary education and a master's degree as a reading specialist. In 1967, she began her 34-year teaching career teaching second grade at Highland Elementary School in Appleton. She loved teaching and the uniqueness of her students.

Following retirement in 2001, Phyllis came home to Bessemer to help care for her elderly parents. It was at this time she met Michael Quance. Phyllis and Michael were united in marriage on July 10, 2009, in Appleton. When they weren't in Appleton or Bessemer, they were snowbirds traveling to Florida for a few winter months. They also traveled to Europe and cruised with friends. A river cruise to Austria, a cruise from the Bahamas to Panama, a tour of Ireland's countryside and a visit to Italy were Phyllis' favorites.

Phyllis was a strong-willed, independent woman of Italian heritage. She definitely stood up for her beliefs and passions. She was a firm believer in public education, women's rights and protecting the environment. In the summer she and her friends traveled to many national parks. During spring break Sanibel Island was a favorite. With the whole Armichardy family, Phyllis enjoyed camping, holidays and just hanging out. Being that her mother was a wonderful cook, she cooked and loved Italian foods, especially lasagna and pizza. Skiing, hiking, biking, kayaking, flower gardening, sewing, knitting and photography were activities she enjoyed. Among other passions were listening to many music genres, especially Irish, and reading and cheering on the Packers. Phyllis was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer and St. Pius X Catholic Church in Appleton.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Michael Quance; two brothers, Peter (Gail A.) Armichardy and Paul Armichardy; her sister-in-law, Gail V. Armichardy; her stepchildren, Bobby (Kelly) Quance, Tony Quance, Angie (Ryan) Mellema, Deb Wilson, Chrissy (Jamie) Mindrup, Danny (Kelly) Quance, Tom (Rachel) Quance and Andy Quance, and their children, 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; special nieces, Angela (Ron) Bekkala and Amy (Dave) Armichardy Thone, and special nephews, Dan (Ashley) Armichardy, Peter (Val) Armichardy and Tony (Lisa) Armichardy, and their children, Levi, Tucker, Halle, Finley, Carter, Ford, Avery and Lukas; dear cousins, Marybeth Greany, Lois Giackino, Diane (Paul) DeNoble, Rheta Scott, Jean Consie, Judy Consie, Robert (Maryann) Consie and Jerry (Mary) Consie; and longtime friends, Lorraine, Ann, Louise, Mary Jane and Judy.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; and a dear cousin, Lori Johnson.

Phyllis' family would like to thank Chrissy and Jamie Mindrup and Tom and Rachel Quance and their families for the love and support they gave Phyllis while she was in Kentucky.

In accordance with Phyllis' wishes, cremation has taken place.

The family will greet relatives on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9:30 to 10 a.m., and the public from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 210 E. Iron St., in Bessemer. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and interment will follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer.

A luncheon will be served at the church parish hall immediately upon return from the cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Michigan. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.