Phyllis K. DeFazio

Phyllis K. DeFazio passed away peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2026, at age 85, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born and raised in Lancaster and graduated from Pleasantville High School in 1959.

She was married to her husband and best friend, Jim DeFazio, for 52 years until his passing in 2020. One of their favorite things to do together was spend weeks at Myrtle Beach during the fall, where they made lifelong friends from Connecticut, Canada, and many other places. Those trips became some of their most cherished memories.

After years at home raising her sons and later caring for her parents, Phyllis went to work at REM Ohio, where she supported individuals with developmental disabilities in a group home setting. She took pride in her work and genuinely cared about the people she helped. Later, she worked part-time at JCPenney, which she enjoyed because she loved meeting and helping customers, and she especially loved working with her aunt Audrey.

What mattered most to Phyllis was her family. She was a beloved mom and grandma who never missed a chance to be at her sons’ and grandchildren’s games, concerts, and school events. She was always there, cheering them on and being part of their lives. She was also a passionate sports fan who loved the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Reds.

She is survived by her sons, Shane DeFazio of Lancaster, Damon DeFazio of San Diego, California, and David (Alicia) DeFazio of Thompson’s Station, Tennessee; grandchildren Alaina, Adam, Alex, and Olivia DeFazio; sister Charlotte Thompson; brothers Larry, Donnie, and Jon Dennison; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; parents Harold and Helen Dennison; and brother Ronnie Dennison.

Phyllis will be remembered for her caring nature and the way she always showed up for the people she loved.

Caring Cremation® has taken place by the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, LANCASTER, OHIO.

Memorial gifts may be given to The ALS Association, 1919 University Ave W. Suite 175, St. Paul, MN 55104 or Alzheimer’s Central Ohio Chapter, 5200 Upper Metro Place, Suite 170, Dublin, Ohio 43017.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.