Phyllis Marie Judware

North Lawrence- Mrs. Phyllis M. Judware, 73 passed away on Wednesday March 22, 2017 at the Canton-Potsdam Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Phyllis was born in Potsdam on November 15, 1943 to the late Bert and Virginia (Queor) Rivers. She was raised and educated locally, attending St. Lawrence Central and graduating from Massena Central High School. On December 3, 1962 she married Douglas Judware in a private ceremony at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Massena. They shared 54 years together filled with love, care, and laughter. Phyllis had a big heart and was always concerned for the well being of others. For some time she worked in home health care and over the years she held various customer service positions at the EZ Does It Laundry Mat, and Bears Den Restaurant. However, Phyllis' main focus was her family. She was always present to their needs while providing gentle guidance, assurance and love. Those who knew and loved Phyllis will remember how she loved to laugh and joke around. She was a talented baker, enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, loved animals and birds and especially enjoyed traveling with family. Phyllis' grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She is survived by her husband Douglas; her children: Denise Judware and her companion William Coulston of Salem, OH., Douglas and Christine Judware Jr. of Stockholm, Melissa and Gerald LaShomb of North Lawrence, Ricky Judware of North Lawrence, Becky and Leo Wheeler of Layton, UT., and Michelle and Raymond Hirst of Felts Mills; 23 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters: Donna Barrett, Linda Rivers, Judy Root, and Virginia (Deborah) Rivers; 2 brothers: Dale (Sally) Rivers, and Peter Rivers, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Always close to the memory of Phyllis' heart is the memory of those who predeceased her; her daughter Mandy LaPorte, a granddaughter, Lisa Judware, and a brother Paul Rivers. Calling hours will be Wednesday (March 29th) from 4-6pm at the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop, with a closing prayer service being offered at 6:00pm by Certified Celebrant Julia O'Brien. Flowers are gratefully declined. For those wishing to express an act of kindness, please consider memorial donations in Phyllis' honor to the Diabetes Foundation. Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at www.hammillfh.com.