Phyllis T. Gaddy

El Paso lost a native daughter on November 16 with the passing of Phyllis Tracht Gaddy. Born the youngest of four girls to Stanley and Ruth Tracht on December 31, 1927, she graduated from Loretto Academy and attended Texas College of Mines. Phyllis married the love of her life, Burrel Cato Gaddy, and was by his side for over 53 years while he studied chemical engineering and attended dental school. The couple eventually returned home to El Paso where they raised nine children. Phyllis led a full and active life in support of her family, faith, and community. A devoted mother, she participated in school PTAs and volunteer programs, scouting, and a wide array of kids’ extracurricular activities. She loved parties and was a gracious hostess who was always ready to expand the family dinner table for unexpected company. Phyllis was a devout Catholic, attending St. Matthew’s Catholic Church and later Queen of Peace Catholic Church. She taught catechism, served on the Altar Society, and was a long-standing member of the Christ Child Society. A proud El Pasoan, Phyllis was a strong community supporter. Active in numerous organizations over the years, she especially enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels, Las Amigas, Kermezaar, and UTEP’s Women’s Auxiliary. She was also a long-standing member of the Women’s Auxiliary of the El Paso Dental Society. Phyllis loved the local art scene and attended numerous performances of the El Paso Symphony. Serving as a docent for the Magoffin Home and International Museum of Art gave her an outlet for sharing her love of El Paso’s history and art treasures. Phyllis Gaddy was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Yvonne Hanson, Jocelyn Claffy, and Betty Ann Dolan; as well as by her husband, Burrel; and two grandchildren, Chase Gaddy and Jay Niemeyer. She is survived by her nine children and their spouses: Jim (Meridith), Stuart (Carol), Peto (Glenna), Cece (Hamid), Cynthia, Brian, Dede, Burrel (Denise), and Yvonne (Pierre); sister-in-law, Margaret Gaddy; 20 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Our family deeply appreciates the numerous relatives and friends who enriched our mother’s life. Phyllis cherished each of you. We are grateful to all who took part in her care in the last few years. A very special thanks to the staff of Sun Ridge at Desert Springs. We would also like to thank Dr. Nathaniel Griffith, Encompass Home Health, and Hospice of El Paso. On Thursday, December 4, at 5:00 pm, the family will be greeting friends at Sunset Funeral Home (480 N. Resler) followed by a rosary service at 6:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, December 5, at 12:30 at St. Matthews Catholic Church, 400 W. Sunset Rd, with burial at Ft. Bliss at 2:30. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4687 N Mesa St, Suite 200, 79912 (or www.alz.org) or to the Christ Child Society, 10100 Monaco Dr., 79925. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home-West. Please visit our online register book at: www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net