Phyllis L. Dueñas age 86, passed away on August 25, 2026.
Phyllis was born on September 20, 1939, in Toledo, Ohio, to Frank and Jennie (Rusik) Strzelecki.  She shared 55 loving years of marriage with her husband, Louis Dueñas, until his passing in 2013.
Phyllis developed a strong work ethic at an early age. While attending St. Anthony's School, she helped cook and clean at the church rectory. After graduating from Libby High School, she began her career as a cashier with Kroger, working at several Toledo locations, including Hawley St., Nebraska Ave. Franklin Park and Sylvania, until her retirement on May 1st of 2002. In addition to raising her own children, Phyllis cared for many other children in her home, often providing evening childcare while balancing work and family responsibilities.
Retirement did not slow her down. Throughout the years, she held various positions with McDonald's, Wendy's, a downtown parking garage, Nannie's Food Truck, and event catering services. She later spent ten years working for the Ohio Turnpike before retiring in 2014. Even during these busy years, she always made herself available to help care for her grandchildren, a role she cherished.  A faithful member of Little Flower Catholic Church, Phyllis was devoted to her faith, family, and community.  Phyllis found great joy in baking and cooking. She was known for her delicious pies and beautifully decorated birthday cakes for her children, and she proudly created wedding cakes for family celebrations. She also enjoyed embroidery and preparing meals that brought her family together.
She loved tending to her roses and flower gardens, spending peaceful afternoons on her porch swing while listening to Liberace. Her home was a place of love, warmth, and hospitality, and she treasured the time spent with her family and friends.  Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Dueñas; her parents, Frank and Jennie Strzelecki; her brothers, Ziggy, Ollie, Chester, and David Strzelecki; and her sisters, Jean Nowaczyk, Theresa Woods, and Mary Jane Kreais.  She is survived by her seven children: Vickie (Ed) Cox, Michael (Dana) Dueñas, Robin (Robert) Beck, Lisa Veler, Steven Dueñas, Carmen (Gabriel) Dueñas Mendoza, and Amie (John) Barone; 25 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Phyllis will be remembered for her tireless work ethic, unwavering devotion to her family, generous heart, and the love she shared with everyone blessed to know her. Her legacy lives on through the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless friends whose lives she touched.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 26, at 10:00 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church, 5522 Dorr Street, Toledo, Ohio 43615. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m., with interment at Resurrection Cemetery.
In Lieu of Flowers,  The family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Phyllis's honor to:  St. Vincent de Paul, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Memorylane, Women's Christian Thrift Store.