Phyllis L. Soares-Eaton

Phyllis L. Soares-Eaton, 85, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Alden Court Nursing Home in Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

Phyllis, affectionately known to some as “Fifi,” was born on December 11, 1940, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to the late Mary “Gee” Soares and John B. Soares. She was one of six siblings. She was the beloved sister to Debra Soares and Dorothy Pina of New Bedford, Georgette Lopes of Maryland, Cynthia A. Soares Rose of Dartmouth and Kenneth Soares of Acushnet.

Phyllis was a graduate of New Bedford High School and went on to attend the prestigious Kinyon-Campbell Business School in New Bedford. Phyllis was the beloved wife of her late husband, Elroy Eaton. She spent much of her professional life in Boston, where she worked as an executive assistant until her retirement.

Those who knew Phyllis will remember her for her wonderful sense of humor. Her love of making people laugh. Her joy in dancing and listening to music. And, above all, her ability to bring light wherever she went with her incredible spirit and her remarkable way of lighting up every room she entered. Her contagious laughter brought comfort and joy, even during life’s most difficult moments. No one will ever forget her beautiful smile. A smile that could make the world seem to slow down for a moment and brought a sense of peace to those around her.

Phyllis was a soldier, not in war, but in life. She was a survivor and a woman of extraordinary resilience. She walked paths that others could not have imagined walking and endured journeys that many would have found impossible. Through every challenge, she carried within her a strength that was uniquely her own. Her courage, perseverance, and determination were an enduring part of who she was. Family held a special place in Phyllis’s heart. She treasured most the time she spent creating lasting memories with her sister, Debra Soares, and the late Don Sadberry; her nieces, Chanel Soares, Chante Soares, and Dawn Soares; and her great-niece, Saliah Soares-Arnum, whom she adored dearly. She also held a special place in her heart for her many other nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

The family extends a special and heartfelt thank you to Phyllis’s sister, Debra Soares, for the many years of unwavering love, care, devotion, and companionship. Her dedication to Phyllis was a beautiful testament to the enduring bond between sisters.

The family also extends its deepest gratitude to the staff of Alden Court Nursing Home in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, for the compassion, kindness, dignity, and care they provided to Phyllis during the past several years. Their support and dedication will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.

Though Phyllis is no longer with us in person, her laughter, her beautiful smile, her strength, and the love she shared will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her memory will live on through the stories we tell, the laughter we share, and the lives she touched along the way.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Phyllis. Your journey is finally at rest.

Funeral services will be private. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.