Obituary of Phyllis Karmels

Phyllis Karmels (nee Whiteford), 93, of West Deptford, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

Legacy

Originally from Flint, Michigan; Phyllis and her Husband Albert resided in Essington, PA, where they proceeded to raise their 7 children. Phyllis being the “neighborhood nurse”, with 50+ years in the medical field, always loved caring for her family and the lives she graciously influenced. Phyllis graduated from high school in Osseo Minnesota. She started her career as a Licensed Vocational Nurse after graduating from Camillus Catholic School of Practical Nursing in 1964, then obtain her Associates Degree in Nursing from Gwynedd-Mercy College in 1974. In 1985 with Double Masters, one in Education and one in Nursing, Phyllis graduated from Villanova University and became a member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society for Education. During this time, she worked as Head Nurse of Labor and Delivery at Hanemann Hospital and taught Maternal health and Childcare at Presbyterian School of Nursing in Philadelphia Pa. Later moved to Texas and to teach at Texas Tech in Lubbock Texas as an Associate Professor. While at Texas Tech in 1998 she obtained her PhD in Education then retired shortly after and moved back to New Jersey. Phyllis loved learning, traveling, reading, and camping. She was also an active member and Eucharistic Minister at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church where she was acknowledged from catholic charities for her commitment and a member of the Legion of Mary. Phyllis loved her family and friends, and they adored her back, taking every opportunity to spend time with them and create long lasting memories.

Family

Phyllis was the loving widow to Albert Karmels. She is the devoted mother of Albert Karmels (Debra), Ann Karmels (William Killinger), Steven Karmels (Kim), the late Wayne Karmels (Ruth), Gary Karmels (Michelle), Theresa Quick (John) and Michael Karmels (Toni). Beloved grandmother to Albert Jr., Kevin, Sonja Mullens, Jennifer, Ashley, Raymond, Wayne Jr., Joey, Gary Jr., Victoria, Patrick, Sean and Brooke. Loving sister to Vincent Whiteford and Cheryl Farley as well as the late Virginia Lewbart, Jack Whiteford, Basil Whiteford, Thomas Whiteford and Janet Pinkowsky. She is also survived by many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

Farewell Tribute
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral Mass on Saturday, February 3rd at 11:00AM at St. Clare Assisi Parish at St. Joseph's Church,140 Broad St Swedesboro, NJ 08085.  Interment to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery - Swedesboro, NJ .

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Boystown or St. Jude’s Hospital  

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