UTICA – Phylis H. McClusky, 86, a resident of the Masonic Care Community, Utica, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at the home. Phylis was born April 6, 1930, in Newport, NY, the daughter of Keith and Carrie (Heidelberger) Hawkins. She earned her nursing degree and was employed as an LPN with St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica. In 1948, Phylis married Joseph McClusky in Utica. Mr. McClusky passed away in 1985. After her retirement from St. Elizabeth Medical Center, she was employed with the ARC in Utica. Phylis enjoyed gardening and woodworking. In her later years, she enjoyed playing pool, even replacing her dining room table with a pool table. Most of all, Phylis loved making people laugh. Phylis is survived by three daughters, Susan (& Edward) Topa, Utica, Laura (& Mike) McClusky-Niman, Buffalo, Mary Anne McClusky, Syracuse; five grandchildren, Sean, Rebecca, Joie, Anna, and James; as well as by several great grandchildren. She is predeceased by two daughters, JoAnne Wellsand and Karen McClusky; a sister, Dorothy Trent; and a brother, Keith Hawkins, Jr. Mrs. McClusky’s services will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home from 2 – 4:30 pm, with Words of Remembrance taking place at 4:30 pm. Interment in Mount Olivet Cemetery will take place at the convenience of the family. Those wishing may donate to Planned Parenthood, to the ARC, or to the Masonic Care Community in Phylis’ memory.