Phyllis Elaine Pisano of Brandon Oaks Life Planning Community, Roanoke, VA, died unexpectedly and peacefully on February 23, 2022. She was 84 years old. Just the previous day she was having conversations with her family, and friends. Phyllis was born November 30th, 1937, in Brooklyn, NY. She was the daughter of Charles and Josephine Pisano and grew up in Rockville Center on Long Island, NY. Phyllis graduated from The Cathedral School of Saint Mary in Garden City, NY in 1956, where she was a day and boarding student. In 1960, she graduated from Wheelock College, Boston, MA with a B.S. degree in Education. She married Joel Strumph and settled with three children: Paul, Laura (deceased), and Peter in Weston, MA. Phyllis became involved with the Massachusetts Head Injury Foundation, and supported its board, and became an advocate for her daughter for 17 years after she sustained a head injury. Phyllis volunteered at the Boston Museum of Science as a guide with the “Eye-Openers Program”; she served on the Wheelock College Board; and was co-chair at the deCordova Museum Council; and was a volunteer in a reading program in Roxbury, MA.

Phyllis resumed her maiden name after her divorce. She met Malcolm Brickett in Wellesley, MA, while she was walking her Collie Brandi. This smart dog jumped on Malcolm and pushed him into a snow drift. Phyllis and Malcolm married and shared many cherished years together. Phyllis enjoyed symphony, art, tennis, gardening, bridge, and most of all, entertaining her family and friends.

Phyllis is survived by her sons (and their spouses), Dr. Paul Strumph (Frances) of Moneta VA, and Peter Strumph (Suzanne Bergeron) of San Francisco, CA; two granddaughters, two grandsons, three great granddaughters; a brother Richard Pisano of Fort Lauderdale, FL; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. There will be a memorial service followed by a reception on Saturday March 19, 2022 from 1pm to 2:30pm at Brandon Oaks Life Plan Community. 3804 Brandon Ave SW. Roanoke, VA 24018. Tel (540) 776-2600.

Later, a Zoom remembrance and interment of her ashes will be arranged at Newton Cemetery & Arboretum, Newton, MA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one’s favorite animal charity.

For additional information about Phyllis and the planned Zoom remembrance, please contact Peter and Paul through the website: www.phyllispisano.com. To contact us directly please email pstrumph@gmail.com