Phyllis Forsander

1934 - 2024

PHYLLIS FORSANDER

ENFIELD, CT - Phyllis Halket Forsander, 90, of Enfield, CT, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2024. Phyllis was born on January 8, 1934, the daughter of Robert L. and Clara Stocks Halket. Her husband, Robert, predeceased her in 2003.

Phyllis graduated from Holyoke High School in 1951 and from Cooley Dickinson Hospital's School of Nursing in 1954.

She married Robert O. Forsander, a native of Florence MA, on September 21, 1957. In 1985, Phyllis and Robert moved to Newburyport, MA so she could be closer to the beach, and he could be closer to his friend from childhood, George Lawrence.

Phyllis spent her life caring for people as a nurse and as a mother and grandmother. After retiring from Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport, MA, she volunteered there for over 10 years with her close friend, Denise Callahan. Phyllis and Robert loved the part of their lives spent being grandparents.

A lifelong reader, Phyllis was a great accumulator of knowledge. She would choose a topic and read as much as she could before moving on to another subject. She read voraciously about the Tudors, the case of Sunny Von Bulow, the Monuments Men, and the wives of Ernest Hemingway. Her favorite book was William Manchester's "The Glory and the Dream."

Regarding books by James Michener, Phyllis would remark "start reading where the dialogue begins." She was extremely interested in art, the Dutch Masters and particularly Vermeer. She excelled at Jeopardy and games of trivia. She liked dancing, folk music, sweets, and costume jewelry.

Phyllis enjoyed oceanside camping and spent as much time as possible at the beach -- Weekapaug, East Beach, Plum Island. She would bring her chair, a book, and a container of "iced" coffee which she would sip throughout the day.

Phyllis's best friend, from childhood into adulthood, was Jean Klopfer Minshall who predeceased her many years ago. She never after had such a beloved friend.

Following retirement, Phyllis and Bob traveled extensively in the U.S., UK, Europe, and Scandinavia. On each trip, she would purchase a black and white drawing of that particular place. All the framed pieces were on display wherever she lived.

The family extends special thanks to the entire staff at The Lathrop Inn, and in particular Michele, Tammi, Jane and Janice, the staff at All American Assisted Living, including Dana, Audra, Michaela, Susannah, Tracy, and Michelle and the Hartford Hospital Bliss Step Down staff, especially Carly, Deb, and Virginnia. Your professionalism, genuine care and assistance to our mother are recognized and greatly appreciated.

Phyllis is survived by her children, Susan Jean and her husband, Mogens Jessen of Prescott Valley, AZ; Karl Oscar and his wife, Renée Forsander of Farmington, CT; and Ruth Sara and her husband, Christopher Listro. Phyllis is also survived by her two granddaughters, Olivia Listro Tebbets, and Madison Sophia Forsander, and two great-grandsons.

Calling hours will be on Friday, February 9 th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Czelusniak Funeral Home. A Burial Service will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Florence, MA. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your charity of choice in the name of Phyllis Forsander. Please go to Czelusniakfuneralhome.com for online condolences and tribute book.