Phyllis Wilma McIntyre Stanga

Phyllis Wilma McIntyre Stanga, 82, of Penhook VA passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, September 14, 2023.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Robert Daniel “Bobby” Stanga, Jr.; her son William Scott Stanga, her parents Mr. and Mrs. William Burns McIntyre, Sr.; and a brother William Burns “Mackie” McIntyre, Jr.

Phyllis was born July 18, 1941, in Hammond, Louisiana.  Phyllis attended St. Joseph Catholic School where she met her future husband, Bob, in the 6th grade.  Phyllis is a 1959 graduate of Ponchatoula High School and a 1962 graduate of Hotel Dieu School of Nursing in New Orleans.  Phyllis’ nursing career was nothing short of stellar as she served in a variety of roles as a staff nurse and/or supervisor in Critical Care Units, Coronary Care, and Emergency Rooms.  Many Ponchatoula students knew her as their school nurse from 1979-1989 and serving as Chief Nurse for School Health in Tangipahoa Parish 1985-1989.  She was a home health nurse, a hospice nurse, and she spent the last 15 years of her career as a Public Health Nurse for Arlington County Virginia.  Phyllis retired to Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia in 2007.

Phyllis was the ultimate caregiver as exemplified by her storied career, but it did not end when she retired. She spent her retirement years volunteering in her community. She was active in the local food pantry, Donation a Week Neighbor; served as President of the St. Victoria Parish Council, member of St. Victoria’s Ladies Guild, and was rarely without her crochet needles and yarn, creating beautiful prayer shawls for those in need. Most importantly, she was “Mimi” to her eight grandchildren who loved her dearly.  Making brownies and storytelling are among their favorite memories.  Mimi was often called upon to pray the Rosary and to St. Jude and other Patron Saints of academic subjects during mid-term and final exams.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Jonathan Stanga (Tara) of Harrogate, UK; Cynthia Thomas (Morgan) of Gainesville, FL, and Marisa Taylor (Jeff) of Charlottesville, VA; her brothers: Mark McIntyre (Marianne) of Baton Rouge, LA; Dennis McIntyre (Linda) of Ponchatoula, LA; Rodney McIntyre (Rita) of Denham Springs, LA; Jimmy McIntyre (Cherie) of Ponchatoula, LA; and her eight grandchildren: Emily, Chase, Ryan, Jasmine, Sawyer, Sage, Iris, and Rosemary.

The family will receive family and friends on Friday, October 20th, 6:00-7:30 p.m., at Finch and Finch Funeral Home in Altavista, VA. On Saturday, October 21st, a memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM at St. Victoria Catholic Church, Hurt, VA by Father James Gallagher. The family will receive family and friends at on Tuesday, October 24th 9:00 am-10:30 a.m., at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, LA, with interment following at Stanga Cemetery, Bedico, LA.

The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider Carilion Clinic Hospice of Franklin County, 390 S Main St suite 314, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.