Obituary of Phyllis Williams

Phyllis was the third of seven children born to Walter Merton Wilson and Mildred Louise (Irving) Wilson. She was born in Hollis, New Hampshire, in the family vehicle, being unable to reach a hospital in time as the family travelled to a new home. After high school, Phyllis began employment with the Bell Telephone Company in Lexington, Massachusetts. With the exception of early child rearing years, Phyllis remained with the company her entire working career. In 1951, Phyllis started her family with Edwin Williams. Although they were married only 24 years, they remained close friends until Edwin’s passing in 2010. Their son, Dana, was born in 1953 and his brother, Mark, in 1954. Phyllis’s family was her greatest joy, and she was a dedicated, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother all her life. In the last years of her life, Phyllis enjoyed accompanying Dana, and his wife, Judy, to musical events in Belfast. She also took pleasure in attending special events and worship services at The First Church in Belfast. At the end of her life, Phyllis received support from many in her family, but especially from her granddaughter, Hayley Newman, and her grandson, Dana O’Keefe and his wife Susan. Valerie McLaughlin also gave generously of her time and skills caring for Phyllis. Phyllis leaves behind her son, Dana, and his wife, Judy, with whom she lived until her death. She also leaves behind her grandson, Dana O’Keefe, his wife, Susan, and family; her granddaughter, Rachael Yarsevich, her husband Chris and family; her granddaughter, Carie Garrett, her husband, Spencer, and family; her granddaughter, Hayley Newman, her husband, Dan, and family; her step-granddaughter, Elizabeth McIntire, her wife, Kristen, and family; her step-grandson George Eyerer and partner, Duane Alexander; her step-grandson, Andrew Gervais; her grandson Mark Williams, Jr. and family; and numerous nephews and nieces. Phyllis was predeceased by her son, Mark Williams, Sr., and siblings: Robert Wilson, Roberta McKenna, Kenneth Wilson, Priscilla Cummings, Constance Reid, and Reginald Wilson. Due to the uncertain nature of the pandemic, no arrangements for a memorial service are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Waldo County, from which Phyllis received loving care at the end of her life.