Phyllis E. Landis

Phyllis Elaine Fritz Landis of Lancaster passed away peacefully at Penn State Lancaster Medical Center on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the age of 87. A woman of strength, compassion, and generosity, she was deeply devoted to her family and dedicated her life to serving others with a selfless heart.

Born in Audenried, PA, Phyllis was the daughter of the late Edwin and Mary Fritz. She was predeceased by sisters Shirley Fritz, Janet (Fritz) Sherinski, Betty (Fritz) Hoehn and brother Edwin Fritz. She is survived by her sister Catherine (Fritz) Stroup of Skillman, NJ, brother-in-law, Albert Hoehn of Elizabethtown, two daughters: Renae (Mace) Paladino, husband Vince, of Middletown and grandson Evan of Lemoyne and Rachelle (Mace) Kline, husband Randy, of Hershey and grandsons Aaron (fiance' Kate Merriman) of NYC and Matthew Kline of Tampa, FL along with many nieces, nephews and 3 stepchildren.

Phyllis was a graduate of West Hazelton High School and earned a B.S. in Education, magna cum laude, from Millersville State College in 1975, receiving the Anne F. Beyer Award in recognition of outstanding performance in student teaching. She retired in 2005 as a Case Manager from Lancaster County Mental Health/Mental Retardation after nearly 30 years in the field, honored as Mental Health Staff Person of the Year. Phyllis was a proud recipient of The Jefferson Award in 1992 for performing outstanding public service in the Susquehanna Valley and was a nominee in 1995, 1996 and 1998. She also received the County of Lancaster Spirit of Good Government Recognition and was named a Paul Harris Fellow through The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

Phyllis had many passions, and her greatest joys were being a wonderful mother and grandmother. She adored her Westie dogs, owning three over the years. A longtime member and organist at Salem Lutheran Church in Audenried, she also loved traveling, winters in Siesta Key, FL and making family memories at her beach house in Ocean Pines, MD. Her home was filled with warmth, love and delicious cooking and Phyllis was always a constant source of love, guidance and support. Her life was a beautiful example of how strength and kindness can change the world, and her legacy will forever live on in the lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held for immediate family and close friends at The Hershey Country Club at a future date. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may send contributions in Phyllis’s memory to Hospice & Community Care, P. O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604. Condolences may be expressed at www.cremationofpennsylvania.com.