Phyllis Joanne Hriso
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Phyllis Joanne Hriso passed away on July 15, 2022, in Bloomington, Indiana. She was born in 1934 in East Chicago, Indiana, the daughter of John P. and Mary Veronica "Veron" (Carroll) Fox. Phyllis attended East Chicago's Washington High School and earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Indiana University. Phyllis was married to Michael R. Hriso, Jr., for 66 years. Phyllis and Mike's wonderful love story began as childhood sweethearts riding bicycles together at age 14. They continued at each other's side until Phyllis's passing. They were deeply devoted to one another?a very special marriage. Phyllis began her teaching career at Lincoln Elementary School in East Chicago, Indiana, but spent most of her 30 years at Edison School in Hammond, Indiana. Teaching was not only her profession?it was her calling. She loved working with children. (On the last day of each school year, Phyllis would cry, saying goodbye to "her kids." Older pupils would run to her room to say goodbye to her.) Phyllis had a lot of energy. Besides teaching, she created a marvelous children's shop, Fuzzy Dogs and Friendly Frogs. She was active in organizing the regional Lupus Foundation of America. Phyllis was an avid Indiana Hoosiers fan and greatly enjoyed TV sports, especially tennis and college basketball. Phyllis was a "people person". She could make friends with strangers and arrange later coffee dates. She had devoted friends throughout her life. Holidays, especially Christmas, meant much to her. (For years, she made sure that Santa stopped by on Christmas Eve.) Phyllis was a selfless, caring woman who always put the feelings and needs of others first. Survivors include her husband Mike, their three children, Carroll (Greg) Birk, Susan (Keven) Brown, and Tom (Lisa) Hriso, grandchildren Jennifer (Tim Seaman) Birk, Christopher Kaiser, Lauren Watson, Piper Watson, and Camden Watson, great-grandson Gus Seaman, and great-granddaughter Zoe Birk. She leaves her brother Bill Fox, brother-in-law Joseph Hriso, nephews John (Barbara) Fox, Brian Hriso, David Hriso, Peter (Gigi) Hriso, niece Jennifer Fox, and cousin Jackie Hawbecker. Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents. (She was very close to them and lovingly attended to them in their later years.) Phyllis is interred at Chapel Lawn Cemetery in Schererville, Indiana. A Celebration of Life will be held in early fall. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dignitymemorial.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at https://www.lupus.org/indiana/find-help-indiana or https://allbloodcancers.org/ways-to-give/