Phyllis Mahoney

Mahoney, Phyllis
“Phi” McTaggart

Newport Beach, CA: Phi Mahoney was called to Heaven on Friday May 20, 2011, of complications from a stroke. She was born on June 7, 1927 in Rochester, New York to Fletcher and Elizabeth McTaggart. Phi attended Michigan State University.
While home from college one summer, Phi met and fell in love with William F. Mahoney (Will). They were married in 1949 and lived in Itheca, NY, raising their two sons while Will attended Cornell.
His career caused the family to move often and after 22 times, Phi gave up counting. She established warm inviting homes in Palos Verdes, Newport Beach and Balboa Island, CA; Cleveland, Chicago, Tucson, Dallas, Brussels, Belgium, and three times in New York City; as well as extended stays in Dublin, Mexico City, Korea, China and Australia.
The stamps in her passport were global. But Phi always said it was not geography but the friends she made that were so special. Her smile, laughter and “joie de vie” (joy of life) made for an extended family around the US and world.
She was an avid crossword puzzler, cook and tennis player who loved the ocean and beach. The caring and a willingness to help others were her trademarks as family and friends were always welcome to eat and stay. “Mi casa es su casa” (My house is your house).
Phi is survived by Will, her husband for 62 years, sons Will Jr. (Karen) and Timothy (Myra), sisters Barbara Vincelli (Fred) and Mary Ryan (Noel), brothers Fletcher (Margo) and Mike (Helene) McTaggart as well as three grandsons, two great granddaughters, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by sisters Shirley and Patricia and brother Edward.