September 9, 1931– May 26, 2026

A Legacy of Love, Service, Community and Country

Phyllis "Phyl" Shearer Mowery, 94 of Camp Hill passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Phyllis was adored by her family and friends, known for her generosity, her commitment to Camp Hill and communities throughout Central Pennsylvania, her unwavering dedication to her late husband, former Pennsylvania State Senator Harold F. "Hal" Mowery Jr., and most of all for her deep love of family, and the many lives blessed by her friendship.

Phyl's motto was to always live your life to the fullest, have fun along way and give back to others. One of her favorite quotes perfectly reflected the way she lived her life: "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count; it's the life in your years."

Phyl married the love of her life, Hal, and together they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. While supporting Hal throughout his distinguished political career, they also nurtured a beautiful family and made Camp Hill their lifelong home.

Phyllis is survived by her children Hal Mowery III (Teena) of Mechanicsburg, Ted Mowery (Lisa) of Mechanicsburg and Dee Mowery VanGavree (Mike) of Hummelstown. She has eight grandchildren: Garrett Mowery (Tori), Ashley Mowery, Lexie Mowery-Hesse (Jeff), Haley Mowery, Julie Mowery-Young, Adam Mowery (Kate), Jamie Mowery McDonald (Brady), and Cutter VanGavree, plus five great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Hal Mowery and her sister Winnie Kost.

Known throughout Central Pennsylvania as a civic and philanthropic leader, Phyl was honored for her extensive community involvement and achievements, including helping to establish The Lion Foundation to enhance academic, athletic, and cultural opportunities for Camp Hill students. Phyllis was instrumental in helping secure the transformational $15 million gift from Grace Milliman Pollock that led to the creation of the state-of-the-art Grace Milliman Pollock Performing Arts Center and its endowment — a project she considered one of her proudest accomplishments.

Phyllis served as one of the first presidents and later as an Emeritus Board member of The Lion Foundation and was honored as the organization's 2015 "Wall of Honor" recipient. Phyllis also helped lead numerous fundraising and development projects benefiting the Camp Hill School District, including the Mowery Family Press Box, technology and computer lab investments, Siebert Park visitor bleachers, and landscaping improvements throughout the school campus.

Phyllis lent her passion and expertise to many special undertakings such as the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape's Vision of Hope, the PA Commission for Women, the Cleve J. Fredricksen Library Grand Opening, and Holy Spirit Hospital's Behavioral Health program, where she helped launch the first Suicide Teen Line alongside her late husband, Hal.

Her many community and charitable affiliations included service on the Board of Directors of United Methodist Home for Children, the Cumberland County Board of Republican Women, the Camp Hill Women's Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Harrisburg Symphony Association, Comfort Care, and the Holy Spirit Hospital as well as the Auxiliary.

A lifelong member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Phyllis loved her church deeply and helped create and support the Trinity Lutheran Church Peace Garden.

As an avid golfer, Phyllis continued her love of the game well into her later years, inspiring younger women to pick up a golf club and enjoy the sport she loved so dearly. In fact, she was a tennis and golf champion as well. Affectionately known on social media as "Grandma Phyl," she attracted a loyal following who embraced her enthusiasm, humor, stylish fashion and joyful spirit.

Professionally, she enjoyed a successful career as a Realtor in the Greater Harrisburg area, earning recognition as a "Pacesetter" and member of the Greater Harrisburg Board of Realtors Winners Circle. She was also among the oldest and longest-standing members of the West Shore Country Club.

Phyllis graduated from Gettysburg College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. While at Gettysburg, she was a member of Chi Omega and the Gettysburg Honor Society. She was a proud graduate of Camp Hill High School.

Even in recent years, Phyllis remained deeply engaged in supporting local initiatives, including Camp Hill Police Department, Camp Hill PD K-9 Fund and the fire department. Her love for Central Pennsylvania extended beyond her hometown, reaching communities throughout the region, including support for Hummelstown first responders and community projects in Monaghan Township.

Above all, Phyllis treasured time spent with family and friends, especially at the family cabin surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and beloved pets.

The Mowery Family extends their deepest gratitude to everyone who loved and supported Phyllis including the wonderful medical team and caregivers who offered compassionate care during the past few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: THE PHYLLIS AND HAL MOWERY MEMORIAL FUND, c/o Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill, PA 17011 (Please make the check payable to: "Trinity Lutheran Church") or THE LION FOUNDATION, 340 N. 21st Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

Private family services will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held at the West Shore Country Club in Camp Hill on her birthday, September 9, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Family, friends and community partners are welcome to attend.

RSVPs are requested by September 1 to this special event, Click Here: RSVP to RSVP to the Celebration of Phyl's Life