Mavis L. Phoenix

Niskayuna, NY:  It has pleased Almighty God to receive unto Himself His servant Mavis L. Phoenix, who passed from her long-time home on Ferris Road onto life eternal on Wednesday evening, March 15th, 2023.

Mavis was the daughter of Frederick and Sarah Richens of Kingston, NY. 

The Christian faith and the Lutheran church were the center of Mavis’ life beginning at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kingston, NY, singing in various choirs of the church under the guidance of her father and organist, Frederick Richens, from whom she developed an appreciation for sacred music.  In her teens, she offered piano accompaniment for the Redeemer Lutheran Sunday School. 

Mavis met her husband of 70 years, Raymond, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Colonie, NY, at a New Years Eve worship service.  Once married, Mavis joined the adult choir at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

For nearly 50 years, Mavis was a faithful member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Schenectady, NY, serving the Lord by singing in Zion’s Chancel Choir and as a member of the church’s Monday Bell Choir for several decades.

A career homemaker, Mavis lovingly provided untiring and selfless care for her husband and four children.  

Mavis was pre-deceased by her parents, her sister’s Maida Blankschen and Sarah Balfe, her brother, Lynwood, and her eldest son, the Reverend David P. Phoenix.

Mavis is survived by her husband, Raymond, her children Wayne, Janice, and Mark, as well as five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, several cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

A memorial worship service will be held at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 153 Nott Terrace, Schenectady NY 12308 on Thursday, March 23rd at 11:00AM, The Reverend Francis Rigobert, officiating.  The organ prelude begins at 10:45AM, Mr. Scott A. Trexler, Minister of Music.

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests any donations be made in memory of
Mavis L. Phoenix to the organ fund of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 153 Nott Terrace, Schenectady, NY 12308 or Alzheimer’s Association of Northeast New York, 1003 New Loudon Road, Suite 201, Cohoes, New York 12047. 

“He lives and grants me daily breath; He lives, and I shall conquer death; He lives my mansion to prepare; He lives to bring me safely there.”  “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” LSB 461, verse 7.

Arrangements are by Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie. To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.cannonfuneral.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.