Phyllis Anne (Van Nostrand) Melachrinos

Phyllis Anne Van Nostrand Melachrinos departed this life and entered her eternal rest with Jesus on August 27, 2023.

     Phyllis was born on October 23, 1931 in Staten Island, New York to Walter L. and Elsie Schoentube Van Nostrand.

     She was educated in Staten Island public schools and New Paltz State Teachers’ College and received the B.S. degree in biology from Wagner College in Staten Island. Upon graduation, she worked as a laboratory teacher for New Dorp and Curtis High Schools in Staten Island.

     Phyllis married Emanuel Melachrinos on December 17, 1955. Together they raised four children and were soulmates during nearly 68 years of marriage. Phyllis was a devoted wife and mother who also cared for her parents in her home for many years, to the time of their passing. She was a devout Christ follower and a sought-after Bible teacher and solo vocalist who served several churches in multiple capacities over many years. She had the gift of hospitality, and her home was a ministry hub for numerous church groups. Phyllis had a near-photographic memory and until the time of her death she wowed her friends, children, and grandchildren with detailed accounts of recent and long-ago events. She was also accomplished in numerous arts and crafts, and her creations adorn the homes of many.

     Phyllis is survived by her husband Emanuel D. Melachrinos, her brother W. L.  Van Nostrand, Jr. and sister Bette Gillikin, her children Stephen (Peggy), Andrea (Lynn) Sollenberger, Paul (Michelle), and Laura (Dino) Minoglio, 12 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents and her sister Althea Van Dine.

     A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 12:00 pm in the Youth Center of Christian Life Assembly, 2645 Lisburn Rd., Camp Hill, PA 17011. A viewing will be held Saturday from 10:30 am until the time of the service. A private burial will be held in the Grantham Memorial Park. Due to the number of family members coming from Florida and the impending hurricane, please check the funeral home website for any funeral postponements. 

      In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be sent to the charity Phyllis's granddaughter works with, supporting orphans in Thailand: Blessed Homes, Aaron Tremba, Treasurer, 42 Paddock Way, Trappe, PA 19426.

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