Obituary of Phyllis Marie Gaide

Phyllis Marie Gaide, 93, of St. Petersburg, formerly of Michigan, passed away on December 20, 2020.

Formerly Phyllis Marie Jones, Mrs. Gaide was born in Michigan on December 9, 1927, daughter of the late David and Violet Jones,sister of the late Dr. Cyril David Jones, MD and mother of the late Craig Gaide. She married her husband, the late Harold Gaide, on June 28, 1947, and they became the proud parents of three devoted sons.

Mrs. Gaide is survived by her beloved sons, Kevin and Brian, and her beloved grandchildren- granddaughters, Shannon Gaide of Fort Lauderdale, Crystal Gaide of Fort Lauderdale, and grandson, Justin Gaide of St. Petersburg.

Blessed with and extraordinary lyric spinto voice (typical of individuals of Welsh descent), she started singing during her years as a student at a Detroit High School. Upon graduation, Phyllis went on to pursue music studies at the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and the Detroit Conservatory of Music.  She has performed leading operatic roles with the Michigan Opera Company, Wayne State Opera Theatre, and Overture to the Opera Company. She appeared in concert as soloist with symphony orchestras and local orchestras. Additionally, she was a soloist with many church choirs. She was an active member of the Birmingham Musicale and Tuesday Musical of Detroit.

Phyllis and her family moved to St. Petersburg in 1989. She continued her career as a voice instructor at St. Petersburg Junior College for thirteen years.

Phyllis was retired member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. She was a member of the St. Petersburg Opera Company Guild. As a lover of classical music, she was season ticket holder for the Florida Orchestra for twenty-five years. She was an active member and volunteer of Pasadena Community Church and a member of Treasure Island Club. She was a member of The Questors for twenty-four years.

An avid tennis player, Phyllis had many friends with whom she enjoyed luncheons, dinners, and card games. Phyllis was devoted to her loving family and especially enjoyed celebrating with them all holidays, birthday events, and family cruises. She enjoyed dancing, traveling, and cruising with her beloved husband of sixty-four years. Phyllis was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be forever remembered as a loving and devoted wife, grandmother, and friend. She will be remembered most for her limitless love of her family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.