January 11, 2009  

CANTON, N.Y.   —  Phyllis Waugh Garbarino, 70, died Sunday morning at United Helpers Nursing Home, Canton, where she had resided since 1998. She had been ill with Huntington’s disease. 

Born Aug. 26, 1938, in Gouverneur to Cyril "Mike" and Shirley Griffis Waugh, she attended Edwards High School. She received her nursing degree from North Carolina State University. 

She had worked in the harness racing business since the age 17, mostly as a groomer and trainer. She was also a registered nurse and worked in hospitals in North Carolina and Gouverneur. 

Two marriages ended in divorce. 

She was an avid reader, enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, enjoyed spending time with her cats and her family. During her time at United Helpers, she enjoyed the bird sanctuary. 

Surviving are five brothers and three sisters-in-law, Henry and Iris, Edwards; Frederick and Sue, North Carolina, Elon and Mary, Croghan; Gordon and Bernard, Vernon; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Linda Zehr, Lowville, and Jane and Lloyd Zehr, Croghan; nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Her parents and two brothers, James and Duane, died before her.  

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at  New Life Fellowship Church, Beaver Falls, with the Rev. Jack Bushey, pastor, officiating. Burial in Fairview Cemetery, Edwards, will be private. Calling hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the church. 

Arrangements are with the Adirondack Funeral Home, Croghan. 

In place of flowers, memorial donations may be made to United Helpers Nursing Home Activities Center and Bird Sanctuary, Route 68, Canton, NY 13617. 

Online condolences may be made at www.Adirondackfh.com. 

Information provided by Adirondack Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.