Phyllis Mary Burfeindt Ljuljdjuraj, 50, of Highland passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
Phyllis was born on October 6, 1969 to Gerhard Louis and Barbara Jane Burfeindt. She graduated from Highland High School in 1987. Phyllis had various jobs working with veterinarians because of her love for all of God’s Creatures; she adopted numerous rescued dogs and cats, including Arial, Miranda, Rainy. Phyllis then pursued her second love—cooking—and being a chef at both SUNY New Paltz, Hudson Valley Nursing Home, and various other restaurants. Phyllis excelled at baking all the family special-occasion pies and cakes including her finest Gluten-Free Vegan Carrot Cake.
Phyllis was a devoted and loyal wife, daughter and sister, and was compassionate to her family and everyone she met. Phyllis was predeceased by her mother, Barbara, and brother, Jerry. Phyllis is survived by her husband, Vinny; her father, Gerhard “Jerry”; a brother, Jeffrey; a sister, Jackie Miller; three aunts, Elsa Murphy, Erika Gaffney, Phyllis Lim; and three cousins, Debbie Gravinese, John Gaffney, and Karl Murphy.
A graveside service was held on Friday March 20th at Highland Cemetery, 199 Vineyard Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hudson Valley Animal Rescue & Sanctuary 9 Barnes Dr. Arlington, NY in memory of Phyllis.
Michael Torsone Memorial Funeral Home Inc., Highland entrusted with the arrangements.