Phyllis Jean Tolle

Phyllis Jean (Franklin) Tolle, 89, of South Hadley, MA, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, at Baystate Medical Center.

She was born on May 24, 1936, in Cynthiana, KY, to the late Phillip C. Franklin and Lillian V. (Simms) Franklin.

Phyllis grew up on a farm in Cynthiana, a place she spoke of fondly throughout her life. She often reminisced about her small country town, helping out on the farm, spending time at Dixie’s Diner, and roller skating at the wooden rink in town. Those early years shaped her strong, steady nature and deep love of family and community. She was a loyal congregant of Cynthiana Presbyterian Church during her years in Kentucky.

In 1959, after traveling for several years as an active-duty military spouse with her young children, she settled in Western Massachusetts, where she built a full and meaningful life centered around her family. She began as a stay-at-home mother, devoted wholeheartedly to raising her children, before later working as a machinist at James River Graphics and also in the field of early education.

Phyllis was steadfast and sweet, and to her family she was everything. She loved to cook, bake, crochet, and craft, and she took pride in caring for those around her. She had a warm presence, and people were drawn to her energy, her southern accent, and her radiant smile from the moment they met her. After retirement, she poured every ounce of herself into the things she loved most- her family, her home, her music, her flowers, her magazines, and the joy of making holidays and gatherings beautiful and meaningful. In her later years, she especially treasured time with her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always making each visit, holiday, and even ordinary days feel special.

She is survived by her children, Phillip L. Tolle and his wife Carolyn of NM; Karen E. Stefanelli and her husband Michael of Granby, MA; and Michael E. Tolle and his wife Patty of Chicopee, MA; her daughter-in-law Linda Tolle of FL; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her son, Timothy R. Tolle; her siblings, Sidney and Eugene Franklin, Margaret Luckey, and Louise Napier; and her parents.

Services will be private.