The January 8th Memorial
Phyllis Schneck - Victim
Symbols by artist Rebeca Méndez
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- A WHIZ WITH NEEDLE AND THREAD
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- This is a caption
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- This symbol stands for the ‘Together We Thrive’ movement—the community’s response in the days following the shooting, when the outpouring of grief and outrage over the senseless massacre transformed into a solidarity and togetherness felt among the people of Tucson. The two ‘arms’ of the physical memorial mimic the gesture of a loving embrace offering both solace and strength to overcome the devastation. Contained within the symbol is the figure eight representing the date of January 8, which on its side references the infinity symbol, reminding us and future generations that through active participation and civic discourse we continuously build a better democracy.
Needle and Thread
A whiz with needle and thread
Phyllis was a wizard with needle and thread, and her hands were always busy. She would personalize the fabric of her handmade aprons for countless friends and their children. She’d often work seated under her favorite tree.
Snowbird
Traveled to see her family all over the country.
It was the snowy winters that lead Phyllis and her husband (Ernest, who died in 2007) to fly to Arizona from their native New Jersey each year. In summer however, she would return east, where her world revolved around her three children, her seven grandchildren and 2-year-old great-granddaughter.
Book
Avid Reader and Librarian At The Fairleigh Dickinson University Library
Phyllis loved to read “anything and everything,” her daughter Betty Jean Offutt said. “She was what we called a frustrated librarian.” As a tribute to her, at the Rutherford Public library in New Jersey, her friends donated money so that certain books that represent her interests, including music, mysteries and needlecraft, include a dedication card bearing her name.
Celtic Cross
Presbyterian church and heritage
“Our church was very important to Phyllis, and Phyllis was very important to us,” said Pastor Andrew Ross of Northminster Presbyterian Church. “We’re family. She lived her life serving all of those around her.” The celtic cross refers to her Irish heritage.
Sweater
Knit 53 sweaters one year for students
One year Phyllis knit 53 sweaters for students at nearby Cragin Elementary School. She was concerned the kids would get cold.
Quilt
The art of hand-crafted items / Her quilts raised mission money at church
Phyllis was a gifted quilter. She helped create quilts the church sold two or three times a year to raise money for the mission. Her dedication to the woven craft was also how she wove together the fabric of her life, as a dedicated mother, wife, friend and Christian.
Bowl and Spoon
A great cook famous for her macaroni and cheese
Phyllis was a great cook, known for her baked macaroni and cheese, as well as the elaborate holiday dinners she would organize, where those in the know would know to leave space for her desserts. Saturdays would be devoted to cookie baking for the Sunday Service at Northminster Presbyterian Church.
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