Phyllis Ann Waisanen, 74, of Warren, died April 11 at her home.
Phyllis was born Nov. 3, 1933 in Warren, the daughter of Eino Leino and Thelma Oxton. Prior to graduating from Warren High School, Phyllis journeyed to Belfast to work for a local physician. In 1953, she married and later moved to Florida where she raised her family. After living in Orlando for 25 years, Phyllis married her high school sweetheart and moved back to Warren. She continued to pursue her love of nature and design by opening Golden Glow Florist in Warren and later relocating the shop on the Union Common. As a licensed Master Floral Designer and Gardener, her artistic eye enabled her to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Phyllis expanded her distinguished résumé by earning accreditation as a Certified Art Instructor at Bob Ross Institute in Cocoa Beach, Fla.
A second generation Finnish-American, Phyllis lived the Nordic qualities that exemplify true character. She was steadfast, determined, devoted, loving, innovative, visionary, tenacious and a stickler for detail. She could coax a beautiful flower out of the weakest bloom or create a complex blueprint for the most demanding project. As a mentor and motivator she inspired excellence in others.
Phyllis’ true legacy will be the life lessons, joys and delights she shared with her devoted husband and instilled in her family and friends. For all who knew her, recalling memories and lessons she taught will honor her sage wisdom and insight.
Phyllis was predeceased by her parents; half-sisters, Joan Leino and Rosalee Hoover, and half-brother Jan Leino.
Survivors include her husband of 28 years, Henry “Ozzie” Waisanen of Warren; three daughters, Anilda A. Riggs of North Carolina, Lori L. Luce of Florida, and Julie K. Huber and husband Joe of Damariscotta; two step-children, Wendy L. Trommer and husband Jack of New Hampshire, and John Waisanen II and wife Deidre of Durham; half-brother, James K. Leino and wife Sandra of Cushing; half-sisters, Joyce Prescott and husband Robert of Massachusetts, Janice Schoenfelt and husband Jerry of Colorado, and Roseanne Moriarty and husband Daniel of New Hampshire; cousins and lifelong friends Miriam Kousmanen and Sonja F. Sutela; six grandchildren, Donny Riggs and wife Christy of Tennessee, Jenny Gensler and husband Neil of Georgia, Ramona Logan and husband Justin of Tennessee, and Savannah, Chelsea and Courtney Pitcher of Damariscotta; five step-grandchildren, John Waisanen III and wife Naomah, Jarod Waisanen of Auburn, Jack Trommer, Jr. and wife Wendy, Tracy Trommer, and Wendy Zimmerman and husband Mark of Florida; one great-grandson Zachary Riggs of Tennessee; five step-great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends.
Visiting hours 6-8 p.m., Wed., April 16 at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St., Rockland. Funeral service 2 p.m., Thurs., April 17 at Second Congregational Church in Warren. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Warren Volunteer Ambulance and Rescue Service, 167 Western Rd., Warren, ME 04864.
