Phyllis H. Cherwon

Phyllis (Hipsky) Cherwon, 74, of Orange, CT, passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2021 after a courageous two year battle against cancer, Parkinson’s, and dementia. She was born on May 12, 1946 in Stafford, CT, daughter of the late Joseph, Sr. and Sophie (Dec) Hipsky. Phyllis was a graduate of the UConn School of Business in 1968, one of only 16 women in her class. After college, she and three girlfriends toured Europe on $5.00 a day, which was a popular travel book at the time. She married Joe Cherwon on July 5, 1969 and they honeymooned in Spain and Mallorca. Phyllis worked for Travelers Insurance for three years. Frustrated by the glass ceiling, she quit and started her own business in 1973, “Cardtique”, an independent card and gift store, located in the former Caldor shopping center on Rte. 34 in Derby, CT. After three years, Hallmark offered her Gold Crown status. She expanded her store twice as space became available. In July 2008, after finishing her last lease, she liquidated and closed the store after 35 years (2008 was the market crash and recession). Phyllis loved to travel with her husband Joe. They had a two week time share in Aruba that they visited every January for 30 years, where they met many great friends. Phyllis and Joe did a lot of independent travel, planning their own itineraries to Paris, London, Ireland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Italy, Alaska, Grand Canyon, Bryce, California, Key West, New Orleans, and more. They also had season tickets for UConn Men’s Basketball for over 20 years. She also enjoyed gardening. Besides her beloved husband, Joe, she is survived by her sisters, Beverly Lublin, Jocelyn Hipsky, and Virginia Hipsky-Stigliani; her niece and godchild, Jamie Hipsky (without her help her ordeal would have been so much harder); nieces and nephews, Darienne and husband Kent Adkins and their family, Christina Stigliani and her husband Chris Schneidmiller, Joe Hipsky and his wife Heather and their family, Mike Hipsky, and Charlene and her husband Greg Minichello. She was predeceased by her brother, Joseph “Sonny” Hipsky, Jr.; and sister, Dolores Hipsky. A graveside service will be held on Monday, April 19, 2021 at 11 A.M. at St. Philip Cemetery, Pompey Hollow Rd. (Rte. 44), Ashford, CT. A celebration of life for family and friends will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank hospice, and the many physical therapists and home nurses from this past year. Also, special thanks to Dr. Yungah Lee and Kimberly her home care aide. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405, or to a charity of choice. Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., Stafford Springs, CT, has care of the arrangements. To leave a condolence online for the family, or for directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com