Phyllis Iola McFarland, known to those around her as Grammie Phyl or Little Phylly, passed away on June 17 at Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta. She was 95.
Grammie Phyl was born in East Friendship on March 16, 1920, to Frederick and Mrytie Felker. She was the oldest of five children, and grew up in Friendship where she eventually met her husband, Art. They met at the Methodist church where she sang in the choir and he played the violin and organ. She remained a member of the Friendship Methodist Church for over seventy years.
Grammie Phyl was an avid reader, so it was only natural that she became one of Friendship’s librarians. She worked in the library for over forty years; one of her proudest accomplishments was being instrumental in getting the library moved from the second floor of the former town hall to its present day site.
She loved her family and was happiest when she could cook and care for a house full of kids and kin.
She was predeceased by her husband, Art; and son, Art, Jr.
Grammie Phyl leaves daughter, Judy and husband Ken; son, Fred and wife Sue; daughter-in-law, Kay; grandchildren, Laura and husband Bill, Sarah and husband Eric, Chris and wife Angela, Jennifer and husband Alan, Nate and wife Sachiko, Kelly, and Karl and wife Rose; great grandchildren, Will, Miles, Norah, Christopher, Katie, MaryKate, Nathan, Kirsten, Drew, and Brianna; sister, Florence; brother-in-law, Wally; several nieces and nephews; and the staff on the Periwinkle wing at Cove’s Edge.
Grammie Phyl’s life will be celebrated at a small family service in August. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either the Friendship Public Library, 6 Harbor Rd., Friendship, ME 04547; or the Bristol Area Library, PO Box 173, New Harbor, ME 04554.
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.
