Phyllis Marie Cholewa (nee Lochs), 83, of Clermont, FL, passed peacefully on Sunday, February 3, 2019.
Phyllis was born to Paul Lochs and Marie Lochs (nee Salmon) on July 8, 1935 in Parlin, NJ. She graduated from Mount Saint Mary's Catholic School in 1953. In January 1957, she was married to Edward "Rusty" Cholewa. They resided in Sayreville and Atlantic City, NJ and later Clermont, FL. Together they raised two daughters, Brenda (Brady) and Amy (Freeman). She traveled the world with her husband and close friends for many years. Her family remembers her as a fun-loving, outgoing, life-of-the party gal.
Together with Rusty and his family, Phyllis opened the Jernee Mill Inn in Sayreville, a very popular catering hall. Later, Phyllis was a Casino Host for many years. She started at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas in 1976 and was asked to transfer to organize the opening of Caesar's in Atlantic City. Over the years, she was recruited to open many other venues as Atlantic City grew. Her last and favorite was the Claridge, where she made many lifelong friends and from which she retired in 2003.
Phyllis is predeceased by her husband Rusty, her daughter Amy, and siblings Joseph Lochs and Jane Harkins (nee Lochs). She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Brenda and Jack Brady, son-in-law and grandchildren David, Tyler, and Alexandra Freeman, and numerous loving nieces and nephews.
A viewing and memorial will be held from 2:00-4:00 PM on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Becker Funeral Home, 806 W. Minneola Ave, Clermont, FL. (352) 394-7121. A reception will follow immediately after at Sanctuary Ridge Grille at Summit Greens. Her remains will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery beside her beloved husband.
The family requests donations be made to Mike Conley House (Cornerstone Hospice), 2100 Oakley Seaver Blvd, Clermont, FL. Special thanks go to Brookdale Senior Living, Health Central Park, and her friends and neighbors at Summit Greens.