Phyllis Virginia Heidenreich (ne Higgins) passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025 at age 96.  She was born November 5, 1928 in Leyton Township, Cook County, Illinois to Walter Vernon Higgins (1897-1976) and Hildegard Sophia (ne Larson, 1896-1983). She was the youngest of three, with two older brothers, Daniel (1926-2004) and James (1922-2001) who spoiled their little sister.   

They moved to Cary, Illinois to their home on Cary Street when Phyllis was of school age. She attended Crystal Lake High School from 1942 until graduation in 1946, while her brothers were away fighting in WWII. 

Phyllis was a tall, blue-eyed, auburn-haired beauty and was popular in school. She was a talented artist, an excellent athlete and was involved in planning school activities and dances with her many friends. She loved going to the CL beach, the Fox River, and could often be found at Veterans Acres or the high school football field, cheering on her brothers or classmates playing ball. She especially loved to ride horses with her friend Lorraine and go to dances.

In the late '40s she went to work at Jewel Tea in Barrington where she met her husband Vaughn Heidenreich (1924 -2022) They were married on March 31,1951, and set up home in the country outside Cary. Daughters Candy and Dawn and son Curt soon filled the  little cottage, which she made cozy, comfortable and welcoming.

Phyllis loved antiques and would collect and refinish pieces for the house. She was insanely creative and was a talented seamstress, knitter, cross stitcher, crocheter and painter. Her creations still adorn many walls. 

In 1960 our new little house was built in Cary on Wagner Drive "in town." She loved to garden and there were always spectacular flower beds of yellow roses, irises, marigolds, geraniums, mums and lilacs. With 80 kids on the block, the home was a wonderful beehive and blur of kids, pets, sports, school activities, and holidays.

She loved to play cards and proudly enjoyed hosting the bridge club at our home.  Like her parents and brothers, who set an amazing example of community service, she involved herself in things like the PTA, the library board and a campaign to get a hospital built close by. 

Even while raising her own family and keeping the home fires lit, Phyllis selflessly took care of her aging parents and their medical and physical needs until their passing. Then she moved to California upon selling the now empty home in 1979 to be closer to Candy and Curt who were already living there. A big move for a homegrown girl. 

Phyllis loved California. She worked at Fluor Engineering for many years, and enjoyed the ocean, artwork, traveling, playing golf and seeing her grandchildren grow up.

The time came in the early 90s when she decided to transfer home and so came back to her old stomping grounds in the Cary Grove area with her sheltie, Laddie. She continued to paint and volunteer locally. She reconnected with old friends again from childhood. Eventually, she retired with her beloved rescue yorkie Miss Daisy, and spent her remaining days in Crystal Lake and Elgin. 

Phyllis leaves behind a loving legacy. She is survived by her daughters Candace Kresmery (Marc) and Dawn Hines and son Curt Heidenreich (Lisa). Nine grandchildren; Shannon Copeland (Chris), Ryan Passaglia (Amy), Tom Hines (Alyssa), Rebecca Hines, Samuel Hines (Shirley) Jessica Ross (Colby), Matthew Heidenreich (Samantha), Owen Heidenreich, Nicole MacDonald (Joe) and many great-grandchildren. 

Rest well in Jesus' arms, Mom. May there be warm, sunlit golf courses surrounded by mountains there, yellow flowers, your beloved puppies, and your whole family that you've missed for so very long. Until we meet again, with love. Candy, Dawn, Curt and family. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Phyllis loved animals, so in lieu of flowers, a donation to Animal House Animal Shelter in Huntley in her name would be loved and appreciated.