Phyllis Ann LaVellee
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Phyllis Ann (Abdow) LaVallee, age 86, passed away December 17th, 2020 surrounded by her loving family in Longmeadow, MA. A woman of great love and kindness, she leaves behind memories for so many to cherish. She was born on November 6th, 1934 in Worcester, MA to Towfee G. Abdow and Adele (Haddad) Abdow. Raised in Worcester, Phyllis was a graduate of Worcester Classical High School and Mount Ida College, where she received her degree as a Medical Secretary. In 1959 Phyllis and her two brothers, George and Ronald Abdow, opened the first Big Boy Restaurant in West Springfield, MA. Phyllis served as the Vice President of Training for the 19 Abdow Big Boy Restaurants. She moved to Longmeadow where she raised her two children. Phyllis was involved with many local charities, she served as President of the Springfield Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, President of the Women's League for the Arts and she was a long time member of The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Luke. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles LaVallee, her brother, George T. Abdow and sister-in-law, Gladys Abdow. She is survived by her daughter, Michelle LaVallee and her wife, Kathie Steinert; her son Scott LaVallee and his wife, Michelle (Vadnais) LaVallee; her grandchildren, Blaise and Brooke LaVallee; her brother Ronald Abdow; and her sister-in-law, Janet Abdow. Phyllis was the proud aunt of many nieces and nephews and leaves behind many dear friends. She loved to cook, nurture her flowers, and entertain her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. Services for Phyllis will be held privately. The family would like to thank The Compassus Living Foundation for the outstanding care and attention they provided to Phyllis in her final days. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Luke, 100 Prospect St, East Longmeadow, MA 01028; Mansfield Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, 100 Warren Circle, Storrs, Ct 06068. The Ascher-Zimmerman Funeral Home is helping the family.