Dorothy Jean Benedetto Phillips, 90, of Hermitage, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at St. John XXIII Home, Hermitage.

Dorothy was born in Alliance, Ohio, on November 1, 1927, to Leonard and Jennie Mae (Zallanta) Benedetto. Dorothy attended the Columbus School for the Deaf and later trained as a beautician in Canton, Ohio. On April 18, 1959, she married Carmen Joseph Phillips and the couple made their home in Hermitage, PA, where they raised three children.

Dorothy was a remarkable woman. She was strong-willed, feisty, and always well dressed. She was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking and baking for her family, friends, and neighbors. On summer evenings, the smell of fried bread dough dusted in sugar coming from her kitchen would bring neighbors scurrying to get some before it was all gone. Her home was always a gathering place.

Dorothy was very proud of her family, especially her grandchildren, and loved to spend time with them. She also enjoyed going out to eat with a circle of close friends that included other deaf people and several local sign language interpreters. For many years, Dorothy attended Mass at St. Joseph's Church twice a month when it was interpreted for the deaf, which she dearly missed when she was no longer able to go.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Carmen, who passed away in 1988; her brother, Dr. Joseph Benedetto; and her son-in-law, Eugene Testani.

She will be missed by her children, Patricia Phillips (Andrew) Elko, California, PA; Sherrye Phillips Testani, Hermitage; and Carmen (Sarah) Phillips, Gibsonia, PA; four grandchildren, Anna Elko; Camille Testani; and Alex and Julia Phillips; and several nieces and cousins.

Dorothy's family would like to thank the staff at St. John XXIII Home and Sharon Regional Hospice for their care; and Irene, Jean, Dot, and Marilyn for their loving companionship.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations to Sharon Regional Health System Hospice, 1955 Shenango Valley Freeway, Hermitage, PA 16148.

Calling hours will be 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday ( 02/04/2018 ) and 10 a.m until the time of service Monday all in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday ( 02/05/2018 ) in the funeral home, with Jim Byrd, officiating.

Burial: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.