Phyllis Johnson Quinn

1925 - 2025

Phyllis Johnson Quinn
March 21, 1925 - October 25, 2025
Phyllis Bernhardina Johnson Quinn PT of Guilford passed away on Saturday, October 25, 2025. She was the mother of Phyllis Quinn (Chris Ventre) of Branford. She was the grandmother of Miriah Ventre (Brandon Anderson) of Branford, and Elliot Ventre of Branford. She is also survived by her great-granddaughter Ellie Anderson. She was pre-deceased by her brother Elmer Larson.
Phyllis was born at home in Naugatuck on March 21, 1925, a daughter of Gustave Evald Johnson and Ellen Sundvall Johnson. She was a tumbler (Gymnast) from the age of 4. She attended Boston University and graduated as a Physical Therapist in 1947. She had an amazing career which spanned 42 years. Phyllis was selected to participate in the research trial for the Salk Polio Vaccine in 1953. Another accomplishment was petitioning the State of CT for PT's to be individually licensed instead of working under the MD's license. In 1974 she bravely was the first female Physical Therapist to have a private practice. She was also the first female EMT in the town of Guilford.
Her many interests included cooking, drawing, knitting, and sunbathing. Phyllis developed life long friends while vacationing at Sea Tern in Wells, Maine. She loved Moody Beach, and had the ability to "shop until you drop" even at the age of 99. Often asked about her longevity she would respond "Pino Noir." Phyllis was also known to speak her mind and express her philosophies. Phyllis was a mentor to many and will hold a place in many people's heart.
Friends may call on Saturday November 1 from 3-5 p.m. at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St., Branford. Burial will be private. Please see her online memorial at www.wsclancy.com.