Phiris K. Sickels
Phiris Kathryn Sickels, of Plum Boro, sadly passed away on February 13, 2024, surrounded and comforted by family members. She was 81 years old.
Kathy was born in California and moved to Kansas before her family transplanted to Pittsburgh. She studied Fine Arts at the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University). After she retired from her 40-year career at Koppers, she enjoyed an enriching life as a working artist, traveler, mother, sister, and grandmother. She was an active participant in the Pittsburgh arts, a member of the Pittsburgh Society of Artists, the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Watercolor Society (past President), East Suburban Artists League, the Pittsburgh Group, and was the co-manager of the Eastside Gallery. As a watercolor artist, she participated and won awards in numerous juried, national, and international exhibits.
With a radiant intellect, fierce independence, and insatiable curiosity, Kathy pursued her widespread passions with a tireless spirit. She was an avid reader and Steven King fan, a technology enthusiast, a gardener who specialized in orchids, a collector, a black belt in Taekwondo, a beach lover, a traveler, and a truly gifted and celebrated artist. She was undeniably and enviably interesting, yet somehow equally kind-natured. Amidst her myriad passions, Kathy's heart shone brightest in her role as a devoted matriarch. A beacon of love and support, she showered her family with boundless care, nurturing their dreams and championing their individuality. Kathy was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jerry Sickels, and her brother Patrick (Karen) Allen. She is survived by daughter Denise (Henry) Bachorski and son Daniel (Jen) Sickels, siblings Betty McGeary, William (Joyce) Allen, and Michael (Donna) Allen, and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren who will strive to carry on her legacy of creativity, strength, and generous kindness.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate her life at a memorial service at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts (Scaife building, 1047 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232) on Saturday, February 24th from 1:30-4:30. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Special Olympics, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, or the Alzheimer’s Association.