PHYLLIS LEE AGALOS

Phyllis was born in Taft, CA, the daughter of an oilman.  During her childhood, her father’s work relocated the family to various oil towns in Kern County where she attended elementary schools, finishing her early education with graduation from Wasco High School.

After high school, Phyllis began working, and at the age of 19, she met the love of her life, Harry Agalos, at a party the night before Easter.  After a six-month courtship, they married on August 19, 1950. She married into a strong Greek family and a strong Greek community, and she graciously integrated herself into the community and remained close to many throughout her life.

Phyllis and Harry welcomed three children, Peter, Julie, and Stephanie, during the early years of their marriage.  Phyllis continued working throughout their childhood, but after several years her love of education beckoned, and she enrolled in Bakersfield College. She then enrolled in Fresno State University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in English Literature. She loved all things literature and eventually worked as an English teacher and later a librarian at East High School.  She could easily recite many literary works and had many favorites, including Tennyson and Shakespeare. She was a true scholar.

Phyllis was a very strong woman. She felt there was nothing that a man did that she couldn’t do as well or better. She was a true feminist long before it became popular. She learned to run a household at the age of 14 when her mother was ill in a hospital in Los Angeles.  Phyllis was responsible not only to help with her father and younger brother, but also care for her infant brother.  That experience impacted her life significantly and it was of great importance to her to teach her children to be independent and self-sufficient.

She was a loving wife and a caring mother to her children, giving them just the right balance of discipline and love. With the addition of grandchildren and great grandchildren, her life became even more fulfilled, and Mammo or Yia Yia was very special to each one of them.

Phyllis will be lovingly remembered by her children, Pete Agalos, Julie Machado and her husband, Manuel, and Stephanie Agalos, brothers Jim Stafford and wife Beverly, and John Stafford.  She also leaves behind grandchildren Matthew Machado and wife Jennifer, Michael Agalos, Christopher Machado, Peter Agalos and wife Sara, Marissa Machado and husband Jeff Raymond, and Nicholas Agalos, and great grandchildren Sydney and Paige Machado, Emma Machado, Angelina Agalos, and Maddie Campbell.  

She is preceded in death by her husband, Harry, and great grandson, Phoenix Agalos.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Machado, Christopher Machado, Peter Agalos, Marissa Machado, Jeff Raymond, and Nicholas Agalos.

A funeral service will be celebrated in memory of Phyllis on Wednesday, July 26th, at 10:00 AM at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 401 Truxtun Avenue.  Private graveside services for family will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George Greek Orthodox Church.