Phyllis A. Huizenga

July 10, 1930 - September 27, 2021

07/10/1930 - 09/27/2021

Past Services

Service
Monday October 04, 2021
11:00 am
St. Matthew Roman Catholic Church
3314 Sandra Ln
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464
757-420-6310 | Directions

CHESAPEAKE – Phyllis A. Huizenga, 91, a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church passed away on September 27, 2021.  A native of Manville, Rhode Island, she was one of ten children born to Polish parents who immigrated through Ellis Island. After graduating from high school, she joined the United States Navy WAVES completing basic training at Great Lakes, IL and serving her country during the Korean War. She was assigned to the Naval Communications Center in Washington, DC achieving the rank of Radioman 3rd Class and it was there that she met the love of her life and married Delbert (more affectionately called Huey). Together they began a life that few could have dreamed of.
She excelled as a Navy wife often during difficult times while her husband was stationed at sea or during his service in Vietnam. She always found joy in creating a warm and welcoming home. A homecooked dinner was served every single night with the entire family at the table and a blessing.  She was a talented seamstress and could replicate the latest fashion trends in clothing for herself and her children. Serving as a Girl Scout Leader for several years in the 60’s, she was a fearless camping leader and teacher. Her ingenuity had no bounds. Her love of cooking led her to organize and run the St Matthew International Food Festival for years where she could share her delicious homemade pierogi’s and golumpki. She enjoyed crocheting keepsake afghans of all varieties, colors and styles for family and friends. She was an avid reader and especially loved stories about Europe during the wars and watching old war movies in the evening with a glass of wine.
As a leader in her community and in her church, she used her gifts in communication and recordkeeping serving as President of the Homeowner’s Association of Framingham in College Park, President of the Women’s Club for Saint Matthew Catholic Church and President of the Virginia Beach Lion’s Club. She was an active member of the Saint Matthew Catholic Church choir for many years. She was a charter member of the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington, Virginia. As a child of the Great Depression, she understood going without and the importance of serving those less fortunate. For many years she and Huey picked up car loads of expired food from grocery stores, delivered it to food pantries, and volunteered serving meals to the homeless.
Parkinson’s Disease became a part of her life during her last ten years, but she refused to let it define her, attending support groups and speaking up to encourage others with the disease. As a resident of Willow Creek Retirement Community, she made many friends and brought a smile to those around her for being a social butterfly and taking care of others. Her joie de vivre was a remarkable example to all who knew her. Her gift to us is a wonderful appreciation for family, and everyone was her family.
The daughter of deceased Antonia and Louis Holubesko, she is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years Delbert G. Huizenga, five children, Diane Kelly (Don), Cynthia Berrio (Bob), Debra Pierce (Danny), Michael Huizenga and Susan Miller (Marty), nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and her sister Louise Warszawski of Rhode Island. She was predeceased by five sisters, Stephanie Bissonnette, Stasia Waskiewicz, Caroline Peloquin, Sophie Mei and Mary Shackleton and three brothers, Joseph, Frank and Walter Holubesko.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Monday, October 4, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Virginia Beach. Final resting will be private at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to St. Matthew Catholic Church or to the Society of St. Vincent DePaul in care of St. Matthew Catholic Church, 3314 Sandra Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23464.  Express condolences to the family at www.altmeyerfh.com.

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Frieda
2 years ago

Huey, I am so sorry to read of your loss. You and your children have many wonderful memories of Phyllis and in time will bring you peace.

Alan Holubesko
2 years ago

To Uncle Huey and my dear cousins. My heartfelt condolences for Aunt Phyllis’ passing. I am sorry I was unable to attend the church service. Aunt Phyllis was my Godmother, and I am saddened by her passing. Uncle Huey and fellow veteran,I will always cherish the times we shared together over the years and my dear cousins. May God comfort your hearts during this time of grief and mourning.
Love,
Alan

Lee and Judy Pitman
2 years ago

Within the hearts of family and everyone who knew and loved her, Phillis will always be close as a beautiful memory.
With Love,
Lee and Judy Pitman

John Brandt
2 years ago

I knew Del from Planters. Nice fellow, sorry for his and family loss. Sounds like she was a real American hero.

Cheryl J Skinner Tri-State Military Museum
2 years ago

May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,

May your memories of Phyllis A. Huizenga, give you peace, comfort and strength…

Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….

US Navy Veteran, Phyllis A. Huizenga, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†

† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †

Genece Oshanyk Warren
2 years ago

Our paths first crossed when Huey and my husband were on USS Columbus together and we lived in the same neighborhood. Our children were the same ages so we had a lot in common. The most common thread was the fact that both of us were children of immigrants coming from the same region in Eastern Europe. We often laughed and said we could easily be cousins. Phyllis taught me how to paint pysanky Ukrainian/Polish Easter eggs and we had many laughs over the learning process. We share our deep faith. Phyllis was indeed all the obituary reads…….a wonderful woman, a marvelous friend and she leaves a very empty space in my life. She left a deep imprint that I will carry with me until we meet again. Much love Phyllis. You are at peace and home with your loved ones. God bless.

Genece Oshanyk Warren
2 years ago

Our paths crossed the summer of 1972 when Huey was on the same ship as my husband, and we lived in the same neighborhood. Our children were the same ages so we had much in common. Our main common thread was the fact we were both children of Immigrant parents coming from the same region We often laughed and said we could easily be cousins! Phyllis was indeed all the obituary says….she was a marvelous person and a very dear friend. She leaves behind a wonderful loving family and many friends but a huge empty spot where she was always present. We love you, Phyllis and know you are at peace and with your family. God bless.