Sturbridge: Phyllis (Czaplicki) Esslinger, 87, passed away on Monday, May 10 ^th , in the Harrington Memorial Hospital, Southbridge, after a brief illness.

Her husband of 55 years, Andrew D. Esslinger, passed away in December of 2019.  She leaves behind her two daughters, Ellen-Jean E. Cooley and her husband Patrick of Watertown, Amy Litman and her husband Dana of Malden. Phyllis was born in Terryville, CT the daughter of Edmund and Jean (Wojciechowski) Czaplicki.  She was a graduate of Bristol High School in Bristol, CT.  She went on to receive her Bachelors degree in Microbiology from the University of Connecticut and her Masters degree in Bacteriology from Wellesley College.

Phyllis worked as a Bacteriologist for the New Britain, CT Health Department and then went on to work for the UConn Health Center.  Phyllis later went on to teach Chemistry at Hartford Community College, retiring many years ago.  She was a long-time resident of Bristol, CT, moving to Sturbridge in 2001.  She was a member of St. Anne and St. Patrick Parish in Sturbridge.

Phyllis was an athletic person, enjoying skiing, ice skating and swimming.  She also played basketball in high school.  She enjoyed living on the lake in Sturbridge and loved the ocean.  Phyllis enjoyed brain challenging games and puzzles.

Her funeral will be held on Monday, May 17 ^th , from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 10:00am in St. Anne Church, 16 Church St., Sturbridge.  Burial will be in St. Anne Cemetery, Sturbridge.  A calling hour at the funeral home will be held on Monday, May 17 ^th , from 8:30 to 9:30am, prior to the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities, Homecare, 10 Hammond St., Worcester, MA 01610 or to Tri-Valley Elder Services, 10 Mill St., Dudley, MA 01571.