Phyllis L. (Thomas) Steffan

Phyllis L. Steffan (Thomas), 77, of Bethel Park, formerly of Whitehall, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

She was born December 14, 1946 in Pittsburgh, and was the daughter of the late Robert and  Cecelia “Margie” (Allshouse) Thomas.
Phyllis was a graduate of Baldwin Highschool class of 1965 and Duff’s Business School, where she developed her ability to transcribe in shorthand faster than anyone could dictate and type at the speed of light.  She was an executive secretary at Allegheny Ludlum Steel for many years, followed by a career and retirement from Columbia Gas.  Never one to sit still, Phyllis joined the administrative team at the Greater Beneficial Union of Pittsburgh, and retired for a second time.
Phyllis traveled extensively with her first husband Denny, living abroad in Bremerhaven, Germany.  As her passport collected stamps, she remained a South Hills girl at heart, and eventually planted roots not far from the home she grew up in.  Phyllis loved sunshine and the water, whether it be a lake, ocean, river, or pool. For many years, she enjoyed boating at Deep Creek and Youghiogheny Lakes with family and friends.  She was an avid waterskier and swimmer, enjoying any time spent near the water – but Phyllis was happiest when she was in the water instead of just on it.
Phyllis didn’t try to be glamorous, Phyllis was glamorous.  She was ahead of the capsule wardrobe trend decades ago with her trademark v-neck sweaters and blazers, always punctuating her outfits with her iconic accessories.  Phyllis would prepare for each day with hair and makeup, and was never without her lipstick.  “Because”, she would say with a grin, “you never know who you’ll run into”.
She loved to decorate and was known for her great taste in interiors.   A thoughtful gift-giver, she applied her special touch to beautifully presented packages that never failed to make the recipient feel extra special.
Phyllis loved a good “get together”, whether it be lunch with friends, a “joyride”, or a shopping trip.  No matter where Phyllis went, she arrived in style. She didn’t believe in driving just any old car, instead preferring to “be-bop” around town in one of her many fun convertibles.
Phyllis was kind, intelligent, hardworking, fun, and unapologetically herself.  A true original, she always kept you on your toes with her sense of humor and witty personality.  She was famous for her legendary, endless sayings and colloquialisms that could make the most boring conversation entertaining.  Some lines were from the military, some were passed down through her family, and almost all were colorful.  If you had Phyllis on speakerphone, it was never wise to say you “wished” for something or ask for the time, because you’d be met with one of her hilarious zingers (if you know, you know).  She had one particularly legendary line she shared with those she loved and who knew her best.  You’re encouraged to remember this Phyllis classic and use it when the situation fits – as per Phyllis “you can’t make chicken soup with chicken sh*t”.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her brother, William Thomas, and her first husband, Dennis Barszcz.  
Phyllis leaves behind her daughter, Sandy Steffan (Erik Katchur) of Elizabeth; grandson Frankie Katchur; niece Tracey White of Half Moon Bay, CA, great-nieces Sydney and Madison, great-great niece Isla and nephew Axel, and long-time, great friends Kathy Kuskie and Kathy Griener.  Phyllis will be greatly missed by family, friends, former coworkers, and neighbors.
Services are private, with inurnment at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Whitehall, PA.  Arrangements are by the NEW LOCATION-Elmer L. Herman Funeral Home, John Bauer, Funeral Director.  
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank – 1 N. Linden St., Duquesne, PA 15110.

The new location-Elmer L. Herman Funeral Home (412) 521-2768 is honored

and privileged to serve the family during this time of need.

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With warmest regards,

John N. Bauer and the Staff of the new-Elmer L Herman Funeral Home

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