Passed Away On: May 28, 2023
Hollister resident, and graduate of San Benito High School class of 1964, Phyllis Sue Swallow, passed away Sunday, May 28, 2023 in Hollister, California. Phyllis was 76.
Born Phyllis Sue Poisal to Alberta and Billie Poisal, both deceased, she was fiercely independent and ambitious, approaching both her business and hobbies with intense determination, an award-winning realtor, an ace golfer, a ruthless Pedro player, skier, and published chef.
In her private life, she was a protective mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She approached her relationships with honesty, devotion, and passion, fitting of her fiery-red hair.
Life, however, didn’t always come without challenges for Phyllis. She lost her husband, Bob, to a tragic accident and then suffered the loss of her son, Brian. His murder would leave her fighting for accountability for years to come, typical of the persistence she would put into everything she did.
Despite the tragedy, she lived her remaining life fulfilled as a mother to beloved son Aaron, and stepdaughter Michala, a wife to her devoted husband Jack, a big sister to Juanita, doting grandmother to Olivia, Grant, Star, Little O, Hailey, and Rachel, loving aunt to her nephew Kyle, niece Michele, and a dear friend to many.
During the time she was ill, she would sit and gaze at photos of her grandchildren, recognizing them less and less, but we hope they gave her comfort.
As irony would have it, Phyllis supported the very cause that would ultimately take her life. In 2017-2019 she walked alongside her close friend Cathy, in support of those who suffer from Alzheimer’s. If able, she would still be supporting this cause today.
On October 7, 2023, Team Phyllis, comprised of her sister Juanita Hall, niece Michele Warburton, and dear friend Cathy Kyles, will walk in her honor as part of the Monterey Walk to End Alzheimer’s and fund research. Her family would love it if you could join the Walk or, in lieu of flowers, could contribute to the cause by visiting any of our donor pages.
Phyllis Sue Swallow, our mom, grandma, wife, sis, and aunt – we miss you, and our hearts are broken without you. Rest in peace.
A private family burial will be held.