Phyllis (Cook) Poccia

Phyllis Cook Poccia was born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 9, 1924 to the late Clark Morgan and Phyllis Powell Cook. Phyllis (96) passed away on January 29, 2021 in Oxford, Ohio. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Philip Morgan, a daughter, Pamela Eileen, and two sisters, Carol Cook Warstler and Alice Cook Mollet.

Musician, artist, writer and brilliant bridge player were among her passions and roles in life. Growing up in Canton, Phyllis excelled in school and pursued her music interests studying piano and violin. Phyllis graduated from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and continued her music studies at the University of Rochester’s prestigious Eastman School of Music, where she met the love of her life, her husband, Nicholas. In 1959, Phyllis was the organist for Miami University’s 150th Anniversary celebration at the dedication of its new Sesquicentennial Chapel (where her son’s wedding would later be held in 1983). Phyllis was an organ soloist for the Corpus Christie Symphony Orchestra, a part time instructor at Miami University and Western College for Women, and a much beloved piano teacher to many local Oxford area residents. Phyllis’s bridge expertise was legendary. Phyllis was active in bridge clubs in Oxford, Cincinnati and Palm Beach, Florida. Phyllis won numerous Ace of Clubs awards for high points. She amassed enough master points to be awarded the American Contract Bridge League’s status of Silver Life Master and was well on her way to earning Gold Life Master status.

On a personal note, Phyllis loved flowers, cats, apricot jam, cooking, decorating, entertaining, traveling, reading, crossword puzzles, and was a devoted fan of Jeopardy. Being a loving wife, mother and grandmother is how Phyllis will be most remembered. Phyllis is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Nicholas A. Poccia (99) Professor Emeritus Miami University, her son, Nicholas P. Poccia (Michelle), grandson, Marco (Missy and great granddaughter Sydney), granddaughter, Rachel (Noel and great granddaughter Oona) and granddaughter, Marie. Phyllis also loved and enjoyed spending time with all of her nieces, nephews and their families, who are primarily located in the Canton-Massillon area. Phyllis died from complications while recovering from the Covid-19 virus. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Phyllis C. Poccia Award in Music at Miami University or to The Future Care Fund at The Knolls of Oxford. The family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care given by the healthcare staff at The Knolls of Oxford and Hospice of Cincinnati.

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