Phyllis A. Mouakad

Although we can't pick our battles in life, we can choose how we live our "dash" of life. After enduring a two year struggle with Multiple Myeloma, Phyllis A. Mouakad, age 55, of Wanaque, formerly Oak Ridge, NJ, passed peacefully at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Phyllis is survived by her loving family; beloved husband George Mouakad, daughter Christine Mouakad, mother Sylvia Sands, sister Nancy Landen-Russo, brother Edward Landen. Phyllis is pre-deceased by her father, Edward Landen. Phyllis graduated from Pascack Hills High School and continued on to graduate from Syracuse University. Phyllis always believed in serving the greater good and advocating to help others find their "voice". She devoted her professional and personal life to changing the lives of children with special needs as a Registered Occupational Therapist, specializing in Pediatrics. Phyllis had the opportunity to instruct college to aspiring Occupational Therapists and mentor many. She was passionate about education and enjoyed taking many courses and achieving certifications with her daughter, who is an Art Therapist and continues Phyllis' legacy of enriching the lives of individuals with special needs. Phyllis looked forward to family vacations, long walks and holding hands with her husband of 28 years, George, including sunny beach getaways and lakeside retreats. Phyllis was grateful for the simple things and always had an ability to instill a calm in an otherwise tumultuous moment of someones life. Her ability to see the light and remain positive will continue in the hearts of the many she has inspired. > Cancer does not discriminate. It comes into lives and attempts to break the threads that hold you and leaves you with watching dreams fade. Although, the end is when the most amazing transformation appears, cancer loses it's strength and a beautiful grace emerges with the compassionate love of family and friends. We need to acknowledge it, accept it, and move forward with it. In our legacy, grace and love will win, not cancer. Viewing hours will be held Sunday, November 15, 2015 at The Morrison Funeral Home, 86 Bartholdi Ave, Butler, NJ from 3-7pm. A Mass will be offered Monday, November 16, 2015 11 am at St. Anthony of Padua, 65 Bartholdi Ave, Butler, NJ. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Butler, NJ. The family will be accepting flowers sent to The Morrison Funeral Home. We ask other donations go to "Help The Children" The organization helps children and their families around the world by providing food, clothing, medical care, and educational opportunities. http://www.helpthechildren.org/ SERVICES Visitation Sunday, November 15, 2015 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM The Morrison Funeral Home 86 Bartholdi ave. Butler, New Jersey 07405 Mass Monday, November 16, 2015 11:00 AM St. Anthony RC Church 65 Bartholdi Ave Butler, NJ 07405 Burial Monday, November 16, 2015 12:15 PM Mt. Calvary Cemetery Bartholdi Ave. Butler, NJ 07405