William Mattar, is sad to announce the passing of his mother, Phyllis (nee Kolbe) Mattar Margrey, of Tonawanda, NY on March 3, 2022.
“My mom was strong, dedicated to her faith, and inspired others to act for the greater good. Through her teachings and example, my siblings and I, learned to love and care for others. People were able to meet her through the commercials, but she really comes through in the core values of our firm: Helping People. She was proud of each one of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed,” said William Mattar.
Phyllis’s first job was at the candy counter at Sears as a teenager. After she raised her seven children, she used her teaching degree from Buffalo State Teacher’s College (class of 1958) to teach parenting classes. She was involved in volunteering in a kindergarten class for fifteen years and with Friends of Night People. She also participated in the Spectrum Support Group and supported the LGBTQ community.
She was involved in her Christian faith throughout the years, particularly with Bible study and fellowship. She was an active member of Central Presbyterian Church which she represented at the Presbytery of Western New York, Riceville Community Church and recently at Deerhurst Presbyterian Church.
Her greatest joy in her life was raising seven children. She loved being a part of her children’s lives and the lives of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She taught her family to care about others by example. Throughout her life, she helped financially struggling families, children in need, and multiple charities.
Phyllis’s personality and bright smile brought her many friends whom she gathered by hosting “family camp”, hunting camp and Thanksgiving. She loved swimming at Camp Duffield and Gooseneck pond, cheering on the Chicago Cubs and treasured her annual trip to Chautauqua Institution. One of her fondest trips was when she traveled to Costa Rica for a few months with her late husband, Ken.
Most recently, Phyllis’s son, William Mattar, asked her to appear in his television commercials. She thoroughly enjoyed saying, “Hurt in a Car? Call my son, William Mattar!” An added surprise was how many people in Western New York recognized her and said kind words to her.
The family will be present Sunday from 1-5 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2600 Sheridan Dr. (at Parker Blvd.). Family and friends are invited Monday at 10 AM to attend a Funeral Service celebrated from Deerhurst Presbyterian Church, 257 Deerhurst Park Blvd., Tonawanda, NY 14150. Please assemble at church. Interment to follow in St. John Cemetery, Cheektowaga, NY. The family is requesting anyone attending that is unvaccinated to please wear a mask at all times or test themselves prior to attending. Flowers gratefully declined. If so desired, memorials may be made in Phyllis's memory to Friends of Night People, Inc., 394 Hudson St. Buffalo, NY 14201 or at www.friendsofnightpeople.org/. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com.