Galzerano Funeral Home
Philadelphia: (215) 698-7545 | Fax: (215) 676-1962
  • Family Login
  • Obituary Notifications
  • Send Flowers and Gifts
  • Facebook
Email Obituaries Email

Valerie Phyllis Klaiber (Menko)

Valerie Phyllis Klaiber, lovingly known as “Phyllis” to family and friends, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, laughter, and steadfast love. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Phyllis grew up in the Lithuanian community of Port Richmond with her two sisters, Claire and Theodora. She later married Francis Klaiber, with whom she raised two wonderful children, Janet and Joseph, in the Rhawnhurst neighborhood.

Phyllis led a life grounded in simple joys: a good laugh, a captivating novel, and the company of family and friends. Known for her love of books, she often exchanged titles with her sisters and neighborhood friends. She cherished evenings out with Francis, lively conversations with loved ones, and the quiet solace of attending Mass at her local parish. In later years, she delighted in binge-worthy Netflix series, adding yet another way to connect with family over shared stories.

Phyllis was remarkable for the relationships she nurtured. She had a large circle of friends and relatives whom she regularly called, always checking in and sharing laughs or stories. Her family especially felt this devotion. Janet and her children treasured Friday night pizza traditions at Phyllis’s home—a ritual that blossomed after the passing of her husband and brought generations together over pizza, soda, and TastyKakes. Her son, Joseph, made it a priority to call her from out of state, keeping their bond strong despite the distance.

Known for her unique quirks, Phyllis had a devoted preference for a specific brand of clip-on earrings and enjoyed Dewar’s Scotch in the fall and winter and Bombay Gin in the spring and summer. Her laughter and genuine curiosity about others were defining qualities that will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Phyllis is survived by her beloved children, Janet (William)  and Joseph (Jill)
, and her treasured grandchildren, Amanda, Alex, Ryan, Jeffrey, and Charles. She will be remembered as a mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose love and laughter enriched countless lives. May we carry forward her love of laughter and the compassion she showed in staying curious about each other’s lives.
 
 
 
Relatives and friends are invited to call Friday, November 8th from 9 to 10am at the Maternity BVM Church, 9220 Old Bustleton Avenue, Phila PA 19115.  Her Funeral Mass will follow at 10am.  Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
 
Donations can be made in her memory to Little Flowers High School.
 

Send Flowers And Gifts

Service/Memorial Information
  • Visitiation

    Friday, November 8th, 2024
    9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

    Maternity B.V.M. Catholic Church
    9220 Bustleton Avenue
    Philadelphia, PA 19115

  • Funeral Mass

    Friday, November 8th, 2024
    10:00 AM

    Maternity B.V.M. Catholic Church
    9220 Bustleton Avenue
    Philadelphia, PA 19115

  • Interment

    Friday, November 8th, 2024

    Resurrection Cemetery
    5201 Hulmeville Rd.
    Bensalem, PA 19020

The world’s leading association to support funeral professionals. Provides members with critical information, innovative tools, resources and the professional community they need to serve families, run sustainable businesses and become pillars in their communities.
Offers services that preserve, protect and promote independent family owned funeral homes in Pennsylvania. Provides advocacy, continuing education, information, legal expertise, products, programs and services to help members enhance the quality of service to families.