ROCK HILL – Phyllis D. Marek, 80, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side at The Cove at Kempton of Rock Hill, on September 18, 2026.
Arrangements are being planned and will be announced at a later date.
Born on January 13, 1946, in Dover, New Hampshire, Phyllis lived a life centered on her faith and her family. She graduated from Northampton Commercial College in Massachusetts. She put her skills to work assisting in a dental office before finding a special calling as a caring nanny for several families in the Rock Hill area —a role she happily retired from once her own grandchildren came along.
Phyllis had a remarkable green thumb and a true passion for gardening— it seemed she could make anything grow. Creative and lighthearted, she cherished “Crafturdays”, a weekly Saturday tradition of DIY crafting spent alongside her daughters and eldest granddaughter. Beyond her time with family, Phyllis found immense joy in nature, especially bird watching. She adored all birds, but held a special place in her heart for cardinals and hummingbirds. Above all, she will be remembered for her kindhearted and gentle spirit.
In her retirement, Phyllis enjoyed many travel adventures alongside her beloved husband, Ted. Together, they made lasting memories traveling by car, plane, cruise ship, and tour bus. Their journeys took them throughout the western United States to tour the national parks, across the blue waters of the Caribbean, and through the Panama Canal.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Jennifer Drummond (husband, James), Valerie Marek, and Daniel Marek; her grandchildren, Caleb, MacKenzie and Alexa; and her brother Richard Baron (significant other, Nancy).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Helena Baron; her beloved husband of 57 years Theodore & “Ted” Marek; and her sisters, Carol Baron and Gloria Deschaine.
In lieu of flowers, please consider performing an act of kindness—plant something beautiful, feed the birds, or help a neighbor—carrying forward the warmth, gentleness and grace Phyllis shared with everyone around her.
Condolences can be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net