Phyllis Anne Elder McAndrew entered into eternal life on July 27, 2023.

Phyllis was born August 21, 1935, in San Antonio, Texas, to John Devine Elder and Elizabeth Evelyn McCulloch. She graduated valedictorian from Providence High School and summa cum laude from Our Lady of the Lake University, both in San Antonio.

She met her husband, Walter Thomas McAndrew, in Bermuda, and they married in San Antonio in 1960. They had seven children and lived in New York, Connecticut, Ohio, and Illinois before finally settling in Texas in 1975.

Phyllis was predeceased by her husband Walter, son Christopher, great-grandsons Xavier Malone and Charles Cunningham, sisters Johnine Leininger and Karen McClung, and brothers-in-law Paul Leininger,  Barton Bradicich, and Bill Parsons.

She is survived by her children Anne Marie (Kevin Malone), Thomas (Jay), Stephen (Anna), Matthew (Shelly), Patrick (Michelle), and Maura (Greg Uhlenkott), twenty-one grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, siblings John (Gay), Patsy Bradicich, Judy Parsons, Susan (Tom Kosh), brother-in-law Guy McClung, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Phyllis's love for writing, editing, and teaching began at a young age and continued throughout her life. She was editor for her high school and college papers, PR assistant to the college president, and writer for several local and national publications, including Our Sunday Visitor and Life Advocates. Phyllis, Walter, and their children were involved in the pro-life movement for many years, and she often brought her love of writing and teaching into their pro-life work. Phyllis taught in elementary schools and an early childhood intervention program; she taught religious education for over fifty years, including eighteen years as Director of Religious Education; and she taught her fellow religion teachers through the Archdiocese of Galveston/Houston workshops. Most recently, fulfilling a lifelong dream, she published a children's book with the help of her grandson.

Throughout her life, Phyllis was known for her warmth and sense of humor, her passion for capturing memories with her camera, and her well-stocked library. She always delighted in reading aloud to her grandchildren and having deep conversations over coffee in the morning.

Above all else, Phyllis loved her family and her Catholic faith, especially celebrating the liturgical year with Walt and their children. Her strength of character and steadfast faith permeated all aspects of her daily life. Traditions that she began with her children are continuing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her happiest hours were spent bringing the faith into family life, whether in the form of family prayers or favorite recipes. Phyllis leaves a beautiful and treasured legacy of love of God and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Loving Choice Pregnancy Help Center (loving-choice.org).