Obituary of Phyllis Small

Phyllis J. (Barry) Small, 84 of Belfast, went home to be with the Lord on May 1, 2020 and reunited with her beloved husband and siblings. Phyllis was born September 10, 1935 in Belfast to Chastine (Spencer) and John B. Barry. She graduated from Crosby High School, class of 1954 and joined the workforce shortly after. She married the love of her life, Richard, in the summer of 1959. She became a telephone operator for New England Telephone for 10 years before leaving to start a family. It was soon after this time she operated and taught Peanuts Nursery School for 10 years while being a stay-at-home mom. She finished out her working career as a librarian at the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport before retiring after 20 years of service. Growing up Phyllis most enjoyed ice-skating and swimming. During the summer she spent many days at the park pool with her dear friend Shirley and later teaching others to swim in the following summers to come. She enjoyed the county fairs with her husband, canning and pickling the produce of their vegetable garden, and loved cooking in her kitchen creating many yummy desserts and special dishes such as homemade baked beans and biscuits. Her chocolate cake and chocolate chip cookies were a couple of her tastiest treats. She knitted many scarves, hats, mittens, and slippers for family and friends and took great pride in watching her boys compete in an array of sports throughout their youth. She spent many summers at the family cottage on Swan Lake where she taught her boys to swim and enjoyed family fun. She was a gracious, giving, and loving “Nana” to four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Phyllis was predeceased by her beloved husband Richard of 58 years, her parents, and two brothers, John and Paul Barry. She leaves behind her children: Kevin Small and wife Michelle of Belfast, Barry Small and wife Carol of Windsor and Allan Small and wife Lesley of Verona Island; grandchildren: Miranda Small and fiancé Bobby Porter, Meagan Larrabee and husband Charlie, Mitchell and Christopher Small, Rylan and Lakota; great- grandchildren: Isaiah, Logan, Connor, Colton and Hunter; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a dear friend John. A private graveside service will be held at Grove Cemetery in Belfast.Arrangements are under the care of Riposta Funeral Home in Belfast.Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ripostafh.com