Phyllis Blythe

Phyllis Blythe
Phyllis Blythe, after a battle with leukemia, 72, of Bethlehem, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 6, at the Delaware Hospice in Milford, Delaware. She and her husband Philip Blythe had been married for almost 48 years. Born in Leeds, England, Phyllis was the eldest daughter of the late Clifford and Minnie Towers. She attended Leeds Girls High School where she was deputy Head Girl. Subsequently, she earned a B.A. with honors in English and a Graduate Certificate of Education from the University of Manchester. Following her graduate year at Manchester, Phyllis first taught English at Fylde Lodge Girls High School in Stockport, England and then at Sir William Perkins School in Chertsey, England. She emigrated to the United States in 1968 with her husband Philip and became a U.S. citizen in 1989. Since her arrival in the United States, she has been a faithful member of the Cathedral Church of the Nativity where she served twice as the chair of the Nativity Fair. In addition, she taught Sunday school for several years and was an active participant in the womens group and in the knitting group. She spearheaded the preparation of an English Tea fundraiser at the church. Her passions included reading, cooking, sewing, knitting, and enjoying time with her grandchildren. She had an encyclopedic knowledge of English literature, both classical and modern. Her high school motto Age quod agis exemplified her spirit and approach to life. She is truly missed by her family and her many friends. Her presence and stories enriched all our lives. Their memory will always be with us. Survivors: Her husband, Philip; son Stephen and wife Trina of St. Louis, MO, son John and wife Heather of Cary, NC; sisters Valerie of York, England and Dorothy of Seaton Sluice, England; grandchildren Kate, Will, and an expected new grandchild of St. Louis, twins Paige and Megan of Cary. Services: A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2011 in the Cathedral Church of the Nativity, 321 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.longfuneralhome.com Contributions: Flowers are welcome and should be sent to the Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.