Phyllis Bishop, 79, of Newcastle, passed away at her home on the afternoon of Sept. 3 with her loving family by her side. Born on Jan. 28, 1936 in Haskell, N.J., she was the daughter of George and Blanche Decker.
Phyllis grew up in New Jersey and attended schools there. She went to work early in her life, and was so proud when she worked to earn her GED at 38 years old. She worked in various places in New Jersey while raising her family, and moved to Pennsylvania where she went to work as a waitress at Howard Johnsons, a job she truly loved.
She retired with her husband, Leo, to North Carolina and enjoyed 15 wonderful years there. Upon Leo’s passing about ten years ago, she moved to Maine to be closer to her daughter and loved her time here.
Phyllis was an avid bowler and watched PBA bowling on TV whenever she was able. She enjoyed crocheting, needlepoint, angels and lighthouses. She loved watching NASCAR, especially Jeff Gordon, and golf, but only if Tiger Woods was playing. More than anything, she loved people… especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Leo Bishop; daughters, Denise Connelly and Debra Bishop; and son, Patrick Bishop.
She is survived by children, Mike Connelly, Pat “Pepper” Connelly and wife Dee, Cindy Carter, Diane Roskop and husband Peter, Timothy Bishop, and David Bishop and fiancée Becky Richards; grandchildren, Levi Connelly and wife Danny, Catch Connelly, Addie Connelly, John Connelly and wife Kelly, Jennifer Helly and husband Casey, Shane Carter, Brandi Kemp, Nicole Benner and husband Scott, Eddie McCarthy and wife Megan, Ryan McCarthy and fiancée Brie Konitzky, Josh Richards, Thomas Bishop, Tiffany Bishop, and David Bishop; and great-grandchildren, Levi, Sara, Kailyn, Addison, Caiden, Logan, Annisha, Ana-ja, and Alex.
A private gathering will be held by the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either American Heart Association, 51 U.S. Route 1, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074; or American Lung Association, 122 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
