Phyllis N. Liljegren (SanClemente), longtime West Roxbury resident passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2023 at the age of 94. Phyllis was the loving daughter of Frank and Mary SanClemente of Ispra, Italy. She was predeceased by her beloved husband and dance partner of 66 years, Robert E. “Bob” Liljegren who died in 2018. Phyllis leaves her devoted children, Nancy Liljegren Harris of Shrewsbury, and Mark Liljegren and his wife Karen of Walpole. She also leaves her nephew Arthur Vuozzo Jr. and his wife Jane. Phyllis was the adoring “Nani” to Jennifer McKnight and her husband Thomas, Kimberly Cosky and her husband Nicholas, Kerri LaBrie and her husband Michael, Robert Hardy and his partner Kaitlin Zanchi, Matthew Liljegren and his partner Kate Phelan, and her great grandchildren Braiden, Liam, Scarlett and Lily. Phyllis was predeceased by her sister Noreen Vuozzo, her brother-in-law, Arthur Vuozzo Sr. and her son in law, Mark Harris.
Phyllis was born and raised in Dorchester. During her school years, she worked at the Strand Theater. She was educated at the Jeremiah Burke High School where she had enough credits to graduate in her junior year as was common during the war. Upon graduation, she was employed at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company where she worked her way up to be secretary to the president.
After having children, Phyllis did not return to work. Instead, she devoted herself to raising her family. She and Bob cherished the Family above all else and set the example of what a strong and loving marriage looks like. While raising their children they also cared for Phyllis’s aging parents. Through the years and through all of life’s struggles their love only grew stronger. In their late years they held hands whenever they were together.
Phyllis made everyone’s life fuller. She loved all of us deeply. She will be forever missed by her family and friends.
Special thanks to Monette Roberson and the many caregivers who lovingly
helped care for Phyllis in her final years at home. She couldn’t have received better care, God bless you all.
Visiting Hours at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home 2055 Centre St. WEST ROXBURY, Saturday, April 15th from 9-11am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. John Chrysostom Church at 11:30am. Relatives and friends invited. Interment Mt. Benedict Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 130 Rumford Ave. Suite 211, Newton, MA 02466.