Phyllis (Moreno) Soboczenski, woman of varied interests

Phyllis (Moreno) Soboczenski, 87, of Lewes passed away peacefully in her home Sunday, June 6, 2021, surrounded by her family, after a brief bout with cancer. She lived life to its fullest, aware that birth is fatal, and wanted to make the most of her time on earth. 

Phyllis was born in Manchester, N.H., and attended 15 schools by the time she graduated from Central High School. She attended University of New Hampshire where she met the love of her life, Ed Soboczenski.  They married on June 13, 1953, and moved to Columbus, Ohio, to attend Ohio State University where her daughter Linda was born.  After Ed graduated with a PhD in chemistry, they moved to Wilmington, where their son Steven was born.  Phyllis graduated from West Chester University and taught science and chemistry at Kennett High School. After her children graduated, she got her real estate license and they began buying fixer-uppers. They both enjoyed buying and improving real estate. That became a lifelong passion, and Phyllis bought her last house a month before she passed away.   She also worked at the Social Security office in Wilmington.

When Phyllis and Ed began thinking about retiring, they searched for the ideal spot.  They found it in Lewes. They bought property in Lewes and eventually retired here. They loved the beach and life along the canal. Never one to stay still for long, Phyllis managed to travel to all 50 states, vacationing with her children and grandchildren, exploring new places. She became heavily interested in genealogy, visiting family cemeteries and even learning Italian and traveling to Italy where she discovered an unknown branch of the family. She kept in touch with the newly discovered Italian relatives via the internet.

At the age of 80, Phyllis reviewed her bucket list and realized the only thing left was to own a racehorse, a dream since she was a teenager. She started in a few partnerships and after having her picture taken in the winner’s circle several times, became hooked and formed her own stable with the name and silks she designed as a teen.  Phyllis loved attending the races in which her horses ran, and often brought family members to join in the fun. She formed lasting friendships at the track and covered the walls of her room with pictures of herself in the winner’s circle with her horses. 

Phyllis is survived by her husband of 67 years, Ed Soboczenski of Lewes; her daughter, Linda Young (Robert) of Chadds Ford, Pa.; her son, Steve Soboczenski (Joyce) of Milton; her grandchildren: Chris Elek, Lillian Elek, Kimberly Gilbert (Jose), Susie Soboczenski and Shari Soboczenski; and her great-granddaughter Reina Gilbert.

When asked by her hospice nurse how she stayed happily married for 67 years, she replied, “Think carefully before you speak. Words spoken in anger can never be taken back.”

A visitation will be held Thursday, June 17, from 3 to 4 p.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Brandywine Valley SPCA, 22918 Dupont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947.

Please visit Phyllis’ Life Memorial Webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.