Phyllis Louise Spinney, longtime resident of Wiscasset, passed away on the evening of July 19 at Cove’s Edge in Damariscotta. Born on April 22, 1925 in St. Johnsbury, Vt., she was the daughter of Robert and Edith (LaBay) Pierce.
Phyllis grew up in Vermont, attending local schools and graduating from high school there. Upon graduation, she attended the Lyndon Institute in Vermont, and later Farmington State Teachers College. It was while in Farmington that she met George Spinney, and the couple married on May 11, 1946, upon his return from the war.
She had several jobs throughout the years, including working at the Samoset Restaurant, and running her knitting store, The Golden Needle; but the majority of her life was spent raising her nine children, and helping her husband George run Spinney’s Market in Newcastle.
She loved to crochet and knit, tend to her flower gardens, and was an avid reader, particularly history and poetry. She was a longtime member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by husband, George in 2007; and son, David in 1972.
She is survived by sons, Robert F. and wife Gail of Bristol, Richard and wife Janet of Wiscasset, George Jr. and wife Cathy of West Palm Beach, Fla., Donald and wife Holly of Jefferson, and John and wife Alona of Holden; daughters, Joan and husband David Teele of Bremen, Lois and husband David Caron of Topsham, and Gale and husband David O’Connor of South Burlington, Vt.; brothers, Edward and Robert Pierce; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A time of visitation was held July 22 at the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta. A funeral took place July 23, also at the funeral home. She was laid to rest in the Pine Knoll Cemetery in Newcastle following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cove’s Edge, ℅ Development Office, 35 Miles St., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
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.
