Phyllis R. Herrera

1939 - 2022

Phyllis R. Herrera

Charlemont, MA — Phyllis R. (Smith) Herrera, 82, of Heath Stage Terrace, died unexpectedly on May 5, 2022.

Phyllis was born to Clyde W and Mary E Smith in Yonkers, NY and the family moved to North Brookfield, MA where she spent her childhood making wonderful memories with her sister Gail, many friends, and her first love – her horse Diamond.

After graduating, she went to nurses training in Worcester, where she met her future husband, Mario. She married and had a grand adventure moving to Colorado, Ohio, and South Dakota. While in SD she was an OR Supervisor and had a farm. She and her two daughters moved back to Massachusetts to be near her sister and brother-in-law. She spent her time raising her kids, making wonderful lifetime friends, and building her home in Charlemont.

Phyllis loved her life and filled it with copious laughter and abundant joy. She loved the outdoors, mowing her lawn, the National Parks, nursing, painting, traveling with family and friends, crafting and singing and dancing. She had an infectious joy about her – and her optimistic attitude, caring, and loving nature were gifts to all those who were lucky enough to know her.

Phyllis gave much of herself to many people, always wanting to help. She laughed easily and will be remembered by many for the funny sayings she shared that will live on through those of us who loved her. Her hugs made you feel like you came home, and her gift of "talking it through" with you helped many a friend and stranger.

She is survived by her beloved daughters Diana Herrera (Dominic Baird), Susanne Weis (George), her pride and joys – her granddaughters Amanda Perrone (Matthew) and Samantha Weis, as well as her brother-in-law, Verne Bissell, her nephew Mark Bissell (Sara), "adopted" daughter Kim Gerry, her second family the Purintons, and her beloved friends and neighbors who meant the world to her.

She was predeceased by her father and mother, her sister Gail Bissell, her nephew James and niece Stacy Bissell, and best friend Esther Purinton.

Services will be held at Trinity Church on Saturday May 14, at 11:00 with a reception to follow. Interment will be at Arms Cemetery on May 15 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Trinity Church, where Phyllis spent many hours worshiping and giving back to the community.