Phyllis Cappadonna Short

After a brief illness, Phyllis Cappadonna Short passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 23, 2022, with her husband and daughter by her side. The cherished wife, mother, and grandmother was born on December 27, 1947, in Port Arthur, Texas, to Margaret and Philip Cappadonna.

The family moved to Midland, Texas, when Phyllis was six weeks old. She attended St. Ann’s Catholic School and graduated from Lee High School in 1965. She attended West Texas A&M University, where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. She married Jon Richard Short in 1969. She and her husband taught school in Eagle Pass, Texas, before moving back to Midland in 1971, where her husband joined the family’s business, Midwest Electric Company. She welcomed the birth of her first and only child, Gina, in 1973.

Phyllis was an accomplished artist and took great joy in sharing her passion and love for art with her grandchildren. She was a lifelong learner and earned her master’s degree from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in 1995. Phyllis had a keen interest in archeology, history, cooking, reading, gardening, and exploring new places. She traveled to New Mexico, Colorado, and Guatemala on archaeological expeditions. She was immensely proud of her Italian heritage and planned a memorable mother-daughter trip to Italy for her and her daughter. Phyllis was an animal lover and shared her daughter and granddaughter’s passion for horses. She was known for her sense of humor, intelligence, and quick wit. Her favorite place to spend time was in her backyard, tending to her garden oasis or feeding her turtles.  Phyllis was a member of the Junior League of Midland. She taught art at Hillander School, where her daughter attended, and archeology at Carver Center before retiring. Most importantly, she loved and devoted herself to her family, who will cherish her memory forever.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents, and sister Jean Cappadonna Nichols. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Jon; daughter, Gina Short Friedman and son-in-law Ben of Midland, Texas; grandchildren Sarah Margaret and John Friedman of Midland, Texas; brother John Cappadonna and wife Jane of Midland, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Phyllis was a member of First Baptist Church of Midland, Texas, where her memorial service will be held Friday, September 30, 2022, at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Bynum School, 5100 Avalon Drive, Midland, Texas 79707, or an organization of choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland, Texas. To send online condolences, please visit www.npwelch.com.

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