Phyllis Kaffka died on May 23, 2015 from heart failure and related causes, at the Regency assisted living complex in Fallbrook, California. She was born in Union City, New Jersey on June 25, 1926, the second child and first daughter of Anna and Anthony Bussanich. She grew up during the great depression with five sisters and one brother, and graduated from Emerson High School in Union City in 1942.

She worked in war-related jobs during the war. In 1947 she married Roman (Ray) Kaffka, also from Union City, and had three sons, Stephen, Philip and Gregory. The family moved from Union City to North Hollywood, California in 1959, and then to Burbank. In 1995, she and her husband moved to Fallbrook.

Phyllis was a full-time mother and homemaker in New Jersey, but worked in the insurance industry for nearly thirty years after moving to California. In Fallbrook, she was a member of the Purple Hat Club, TOPS, and St. Peter's Parish. Her family was her greatest concern throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Ray Kaffka, and son Gregory. She is survived by her sons Stephen and Phillip, her brother Warren Bussanich, and sisters Dolores Lefever and Joyce Cuce; her eight grandchildren: Kim, Alex, Andy, Anne, Jim, Erin, Amy and Katherine; her 16 great grandchildren: Jessica, Jaymie, Sebastian, Levi, Gavin, Ashlyn, Evan, Mia, Sage, Blaze, Ashlyn, Jack, Dean, Lila, Jayce, and Carson, and by three great-great grandchildren: Avery, Falen and Shaun. She is also survived by many friends and adopted family members, who found that her capacity for love and friendship was as large and warm as her wonderful smile.