Phyllis Elizabeth Billy

Phyllis Elizabeth Billy
(Maiden: Klein)
December 13, 1934 – April 14, 2025

Phyllis Elizabeth Billy (née Klein), affectionately known to many as “Aunt Phyllis,” passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Monday, April 14, 2025. Born on December 13, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York, she was the cherished daughter of Minrod J. Klein and Antoinette Klein (née Walkuska). Phyllis grew up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, where her independent spirit and open heart began to take root.

A proud graduate of Cathedral High School in New York City, Phyllis went on to become an executive secretary for The Select Magazines Company in NYC, where her sharp mind and organizational talent were put to great use.

On November 20, 1965, she married the love of her life, William C. Billy, in the Bronx. William, the proud son of Oklahoma’s Choctaw Nation, and Phyllis made Jersey City their lifelong home, where they built a life rooted in love, culture, and community.

Phyllis was a woman of many passions. She delighted in sharing family stories, crocheting beautiful creations, tackling word search puzzles, and faithfully cheering on the New York Yankees. A devoted Catholic, she attended Mass regularly and held her faith close to her heart. Her deep respect and appreciation for the Choctaw Nation, through her beloved husband, was evident in her continued support of its traditions and future. Phyllis also had a tender heart for animals, especially her sweet, long-haired black cat, Ruby, who remains behind.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, William C. Billy; her parents, Minrod and Antoinette Klein; and her sister, Barbara Ann Klein.

Phyllis is survived by her loving nephew, Edward Schwartz, and devoted niece, Lauren Didrichsen. She also leaves behind her adored grand-nieces and grand-nephews: Katherine, Wesley, and Liv Didrichsen, and the grand-nephews, Merritt Schwartz and George Hilbert Schwartz. Her presence will be deeply missed at family gatherings, where her stories and laughter brought generations together.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 21, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 Kennedy Blvd. Jersey City. (For GPS navigation, it is best to use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg Street). Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Chahta Foundation, supporting initiatives that preserve and uplift Choctaw culture and heritage. Please visit Donate - Chahta Foundation to contribute.

As Aunt Phyllis would joyfully proclaim when it was time to move on to the next adventure: “CHARGE!”