Phyllis Arlene York

1925 - 2014

Wolfeboro-Phyllis Arlene York, 88 ,of South Main St., Wolfeboro, beloved wife of Wallace W. York, died February 13, 2014, at Wolfeboro Bay Center in Wolfeboro. Her husband and other family members were by her side.

Phyllis was born in Gilford, NH, November 4, 1925. She was the daughter of the late Clinton and Olive (Willard) Flanders, and the youngest of eight brothers and sisters. She lived in Wolfeboro, graduating from Carpenter School prior to moving to Laconia and graduating from Laconia High School class of 1945.

During the 1940's, Phyllis lived and worked in Washington, D.C. She was a clerk at the Department of the Navy. Returning to New Hampshire, Phyllis married Wallace York, and they took up residence in Wolfeboro. In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Phyllis was successful in a number of positions. She worked part time at the Wolfeboro Laundry in the mid-1950's. She worked in the Carpenter School Lunch Program and at Huggins Hospital for many years. Before retiring, she worked at the Clothes Inn and at Relay Testing. In each position, Phyllis was a dedicated, productive employee with an ever cheerful, can-do attitude. Her part-time work never interfered with raising her family and being there for them. Mrs. York was one of the founding mothers of the Wolfeboro Kindergarten, and a Brownie and Girl Scout leader.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wolfeboro where she had many friends. She enjoyed a festive birthday party given by the church to celebrate her 88th birthday in November.

Phyllis enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crocheting, and she was an avid quilter. The products of her loving handiwork will live on for generations with her children, grandchildren, other family and friends. They all loved being the recipient of her yummy holiday goodies.

For many years Phyllis took a long daily walk. She was instrumental in getting the South Wolfeboro sidewalk built. Her year round physical activities, including her beloved paddle boating on Rust Pond, contributed to her health and longevity. She loved going to the ocean, especially after the long winters in Wolfeboro. Another passion was watching her Celtics and Red Sox games, and following the teams through each season for many years.

Phyllis is survived by her husband, Wallace, with whom she would have celebrated her 66th wedding anniversary next month, and by her three children, her daughters, Cheryl York-Cail and husband Lawrence Cail, of Amherst, New Hampshire and Barbara Chase and her husband, Kenneth, of Merrimack, New Hampshire; and son, Wally York, of Wolfeboro. She leaves four grandchildren, Malinda L. Jones of Nashua, Jessica Belch of Chandler, Arizona; Adam Chase of Haverhill, Massachusetts; and Rachel Connors of Quincy, Massachusetts. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Phyllis was predeceased by her four brothers and three sisters, Wallace, Calvin, Willard, and Forrest Flanders, Priscilla Kimball, Christine Wilkes, and Pearl Tardif. Her family and friends will greatly miss Phyllis' spirit and energy.

A graveside service will be in Pine Hill Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to VNA/Hospice of Southern Carroll County, PO Box 1620, Wolfeboro, NH 03894.