Mrs. Phyllis K. Fenton, 87, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in the comfort of her home, with her loving family by her side.

     Phyllis was born in Utica on November 8, 1938, the daughter of Edmund and Josephine (Firlit) Kulakowski. She was raised in Utica, attended local schools and graduated from Proctor High School in 1956. For many years, Phyllis dedicated her career to serving as a paralegal with the Oneida County Department of Social Services. She also shared her love of music as the organist at St. Stanislaus Church in Utica. Phyllis found her greatest joy in the comforts of home and especially treasured tending to her vegetable garden, a passion she proudly maintained until the age of 75. She was a woman of Catholic faith whose warmth, devotion, and quiet strength touched all who knew her.

     Phyllis was married to the late Raymond Sheheen, and together they were blessed with three beloved daughters: Loretta “Lorrie” (Michael) Sullivan, Jacqueline “Jackie” Sheheen, and Cynthia “Cindy” Tehan. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Adrianna, Brittany, Daniel, and Michael; her adored great-granddaughter, Olivia; her brothers, Edmund (Elaine) Kulakowski and Jacob (Janet) Kulakowski; her sisters, Janet O’Toole, Eleanor (Anthony) Ciancio, and Irene McEntee; her sister-in-law, Therese Kulakowski; as well as many loving cousins, nieces and nephews, including her Godson, John O’Toole, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great great nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Frederick Kulakowski; her nephew, Michael O’Toole; her cherished granddaughter, Heather MacMaster; her brothers-in-law, Edward O’Toole and Henry McEntee; and her second husband, Francis P. Fenton.

     Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Phyllis’ Funeral Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 422 Coventry Ave., North Utica. She will be laid to rest in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Yorkville. Calling hours for family and friends will be held on Friday, May 22, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica.

     In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Phyllis’ memory are kindly asked to consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

    Mrs. Fenton’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc., especially Alyssa, Ashley, Cindy, and Irene, for the loving care, compassion, and kindness shown to Phyllis during her final days.