Phyllis Holden Macey

Phyllis Holden Macey passed away on April 22, 2008, with the same grace and courage that marked her long and full life. She was born in Rochester, NH, in 1925. She attended Concord High School and graduated from the University of New Hampshire with an occupational therapy degree. She spent many summers in Alton Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee. She lived in Bow and Warner, NH, for the last 3 years. She also lived in Topeka, Sylvan Grove and Russell, KS, Northern Virginia and Tucson, AZ. She was a woman of many talents and was always involved in a project, helping others, chairing a committee or creating beautiful portraits, theorem paintings, folk art or cross-stitched sweatshirts. She worked as an occupational therapist after college graduation and returned to the field as a consultant for the entire western half of the State of Kansas many years later. She served on the Kansas Judiciary Board and was always involved in the annual Kansas Day celebration. She was also a member of the Hospital Auxiliary at Stormont-Vail in Topeka, KS. During her years in Washington, DC, she was active in the Congressional Club and was so well-regarded the rules were changed to allow her to continue as a member. The First Ladies Luncheon was one of her favorite endeavors. She was a great hostess and loved entertaining family and friends in her home even her daughters teenage peers. She opened her own antiques shop, Benchmark Antiques, in Sylvan Grove, KS and was a gifted artist and craftsman in her own right. Her interest in antiques, folk art and art continued throughout her life. In 1986, she married Benjamin A. Macey, her high school sweetheart, and spent 22 of her happiest years with him. She was previously married to Lon Buzick and Senator Bob Dole. She was outgoing and had countless friends in every community in which she lived. She was predeceased by her parents, Edward Wight Holden and Estelle Bennett Holden. In addition to her husband, Ben, of Bow, NH, she is survived by her daughter, Robin Dole, of Fairfax, VA, her sister, Joyce Nash, of Franklin, MA, her step children Gail Ackley of Tulsa, OK, Holly Reeder of New Market, NH, Diane Wright of Wichita, KS, Ellen Fioretti of Henniker, NH, Lee Macey of Palm Springs, CA, Sara Macey of Canterbury, NH, Lauren Williams of Wichita, KS, and their many children. She was a loving mother and would tell you motherhood was a bit of a miracle for her. It was also her forte. She will always be remembered for her spirit. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, 205 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301.