Phyllis Hoddeson

PORTSMOUTH — Phyllis G. Hoddeson, 76, of Portsmouth, died Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at Clipper Harbor of Portsmouth Care and Rehabilitation Center after a brief battle with cancer.

She was born in New York City, Aug. 12, 1933, a daughter of the late R. Carroll and Doris (Perkins) Grant.

Phyllis was raised on Long Island, moved to New Hampshire in 1965 and had lived in Portsmouth for the last 30 years.

She received her bachelor's degree in sociology from Skidmore College and earned a graduate certificate in business administration from Radcliffe College. At age 73, Phyllis received her diploma in fine arts from the University of New Hampshire. She worked as a special education aide at Rye Elementary School before her retirement.

Phyllis was a member of Toastmasters International 1094 of Portsmouth, the Seacoast Artist Association in Exeter and the York Writers Club in York, Maine.

Phyllis had a zest for life and for learning. She was an avid gardener, hiker, artist and writer. She enjoyed camping, music, dancing, tea parties and a good book. More than anything, Phyllis loved spending time with her family and her friends.

Family members include her daughter, Karen Hager and her husband, Dean, of Hampton; her son, Alan Hoddeson and his wife, Kari, of Georgetown, Mass.; her brother, Peter Grant and his wife, Joan, of Lakeland, Fla.; her sisters, Linda MacLachlan of San Marcos, Texas, and Lucia Dutton of Halifax, N.S., and her granddaughter, Emily Nicole Hoddeson.

Services will be private. If desired, donations may be made to the Seacoast Artist Association, Attn: Treasurer, 225 Water St., Exeter, NH 03833. An online guest book is available at www.RemickGendron.com.

@Online guest book:Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.