(Phyllis) Jean Bordas, (née Hamer), died peacefully at her home in Converse, Texas on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018 at the age of 83.
She is survived by her husband, Raymond Knauer of Converse, Texas; children, Scott Bordas, Terri Nakamura, Dawna Bunker and Beth Bordas; and brother, Edward Hamer.
She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Justin Nakamura, Christopher Nakamura, Casie Uphoff, Kevin Nakamura, Rachel Bunker, Ashley Bordas, Zachary Bordas and Sheila Kieser and four great-grandchildren, Lilly and Cooper Uphoff, Hero Nakamura and Jack “Chip” Nakamura.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Lionel (Sonny) Hamer and her parents, Harry (Saul) and Beatrice (Bridgie) Hamer of Wallaceton.
She was born June 1, 1934 in Philipsburg to Harry and Beatrice Hamer. She graduated from the Philipsburg-Osceola Area High School in 1952, where she was part of the cheerleading team.
She studied at the Pennsylvania State University, State College. Later, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she became a flight attendant for Capital Airlines.
Afterward she moved back to Wallaceton, where she and her family moved into the old “Harbison Walker Company Store,” in Wallaceton. She both owned and operated the restaurant, store and gas station until it closed in the early 1960’s.
She was active in politics and began her career by serving on the Wallaceton Borough Council. She was instrumental in establishing both the Wallaceton Municipal Authority and the Wallaceton Volunteer Fire Co. in the early 1960’s. She also ran for office and was elected as the chairman of the Clearfield County Republican Party.
Later she worked for the American Cancer Society, which allowed her to move to Honolulu, Hawaii, where she was the executive director for the Honolulu division of the American Cancer Society.
There, she met her husband Raymond, who was in the Air Force. They were transferred to Charleston, SC and then to San Antonio, Texas, where she established and served as chief executive officer for the non-profit, T.R.U.E. Research Foundation.
She resided in Converse, Texas until her death. Her children and grandchildren remember her as a driven mother and loving grandmother who always encouraged them to pursue their goals.
She was a trailblazer and continuously involving herself in her communities regardless of where she resided throughout the years. Additionally, she always maintained her Christian faith.
She was generous, witty and adventurous; she was dedicated to her family. She was passionate about Spurs basketball and an active and dedicated member of the Randolph Base Chapel.
To those who knew and loved her, she will be remembered as their champion and as their number one cheerleader.
A private, invitation only memorial service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday Jan. 19 at the Colonial Funeral Home in Universal City, Texas. Chaplain Gary Higgs will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society, 8115 Datapoint Dr., San Antonio, TX 78229 or to the charity of your choice.
Friends are welcome to send their condolences or sign the guestbook at obits.dignitymemorial.com.
The family would like to thank Griswold Home Care and especially Sonya Liddell for her care over the last seven years.
