Phyllis T. Zommer, age 78, of Brockton and Taunton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026.
Born on December 22, 1947, in Malden, MA, she was the beloved daughter of Julius R. Widisky and Ethel (Shadkin) Widisky. Phyllis lived a fulfilling and meaningful life marked by devotion to family and resilience through life’s challenges.
She grew up in Malden and attended Malden High School, where she served as President of the B’nai B’rith Girls chapter. Phyllis attended Mansfield Beauty Academy, followed by many joyful years styling her clients’ hair. She then went on to receive an Associate degree from Massasoit Community College in Early Childhood Education. She took much pride and joy in being both an educator and director at preschools in the area for almost 20 years, bringing smiles to many children. To this day, she continued to have contact with these students and their families, having watched them grow into adulthood. After being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue & Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, she took the initiative to establish a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group through the National CFIDS Foundation. She organized presentations by a variety of professional speakers, including researchers, healthcare providers, and individuals living with CFIDS, to share their lived experiences and offer resources.
In her younger years, she enjoyed playing musical instruments with her family, Mahjong with friends, and entertaining at family gatherings with her “Cousins Club.” She was an inspiring writer who published a beautiful poem in honor of her late beloved niece, Lisa, who passed away at a young age due to leukemia, in nationally published books. She also devoted much time to writing an unpublished novel.
Phyllis is survived by her children, Jayne Zommer-Grindle and her husband William Grindle of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts, and Heidi Cheerman and her husband Andrew Cheerman of Sharon, Massachusetts. She was the devoted grandmother of David Grindle (Kaylin Kukauskas), Jacob Grindle, Lillian Cheerman, and Alanna Cheerman. Phyllis was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Irving Widisky, and sister, Joyce Post. Phyllis is ther former wife of Frederick Zommer and is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Phyllis’s life was a tapestry woven with love, laughter, and an unyielding commitment to her family. Nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her grandchildren. She always lit up while baking, playing games, and singing with them.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who provided Phyllis with comfort and dignity in her final days. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and all those who were touched by her kindness. In this time of sorrow, we find solace in the memories of Phyllis’s laughter, her nurturing presence, and her unwavering love. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit will forever remain a guiding light for those she leaves behind.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Schlossberg Family’s Chapel on the Hill, 824 Washington Street, Canton, Massachusetts, with interment to follow at Sharon Memorial Park 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA.
Shiva will be held at Beacons Restaurant, 85 Providence Highway (Rt. 1), East Walpole, MA 02032, from 4:30–8:00 p.m., for anyone who would like to celebrate her life and visit with family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia Foundation https://donate.cancer.org or to the Wonderfund of Massachusetts https://www.wonderfundma.org. The Wonderfund provides children involved with the MA Department of Children & Families with the opportunities, experiences, and essentials that every child deserves.
Phyllis Zommer
Zoom Link (see below)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5288320605?pwd=dVFjQlUzWmVDYmFhVGwwZkNVSXBLQT09&omn=88608072948
will be activated at 12:45PM
(15 minutes prior to the start of the service)
As a courtesy to the Zommer family, it is imperative that upon entry into Zoom, kindly ensure that your microphone is properly muted, so as not to affect the audio or video stream.
~ Thank You ~
4 Condolences for Phyllis T. Zommer
Condolences(4)
Pastor Peg Boucher says
May 30, 2026 at 7:27 pmShe it may no longer be on this earth, but she will forever be in your hearts!
Celebrating her life and legacy with you and your family and loved ones!
Kathleen Henningson says
May 30, 2026 at 8:12 pmDear Jane, Heidi and families,
I met your mother many years ago when you were young , as was my son Jason. She was always fun to talk to and was very proud of her girls. She will be missed by all who knew her, as she was a lovely lady. God Bless you all.
Sandra N. Hyde says
June 2, 2026 at 8:42 pmHeidi & Jane, So sorry to hear of Phyllis’ passing. We were childhood friends who lived next door to each other on Harvard Street in Malden. I’m sure she’s told you the story: I shall forever be known as the girl who fell in my toilet! She was such a “mother hen” even as a child. We grew apart as older adults, but reconnected on FB. She always bragged about and was so proud of her children and granddaughters! Forever in our hearts!
Amy Bambery says
July 18, 2026 at 2:58 pmDear Jayne and Heidi
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. She will always be remembered by me as Auntie Phyllis who was such a warm, gracious and loving aunt. I pray that you feel surrounded by love during this difficult time. With heartfelt sympathy, Amy Bambery (Stanley and Beverly Sirote’s daughter)