Phyllis E. Rollins

BRAINTREEE Phyllis E. (Downie) Rollins, of Braintree, formerly of Quincy and Arlington, at the age 92, died at South Shore Hospital, Weymouth, on Wednesday, October 15, 2008, surrounded by her family, after a short illness. Beloved wife of the late Elton S. Rollins. Phyllis was born on August 26, 1916 in Somerville, MA and was the daughter of the late Florence (Tucker) and Thomas St. Clair Eldridge Downie. She was raised in Somerville and Arlington, graduating from Arlington High School in 1934. Following her graduation from Chandler Secretarial School in Boston, she worked for a Boston doctor for 6 years and then for U.S. Steel for 8 years. Phyllis and Elton were married in 1948 and moved to Wollaston . In 1964 they moved to Braintree where she resided until her death. She was an active member of South Congregational Church in Braintree for over 40 years, and faithfully served as a Deaconess there for many years. Active in Republican politics while living in Quincy, she was a longtime poll worker in both Quincy and Braintree. She was also a member of the Braintree Womens Club for over 30 years. She volunteered for several years in the gift shops of the Respiratory and South Shore Hospitals. She and Elton traveled extensively in the US and Europe before his death in 1996, and she continued traveling with her sister, Cree, after his death. Phyllis resided at Grove Manor Estates from 2001-2008 and participated in almost every activity they offered, including weekly exercise classes and painting classes. However, her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. She will always be remembered for her kind and caring ways and her positive attitude and optimistic outlook on life. Her creed was to follow the Golden Rule; do unto others as you would have them do unto you and she truly lived her life that way. Phyllis is survived by her daughter Roberta Wallace and her husband Mark of Wethersfield, CT; her son Philip Rollins and his wife Charlene of Whitman; her son, Richard Rollins and his wife, Christy of Mansfield; and seven grandchildren: Brian Wallace; Gregory Wallace and his wife, Julie; Michael Rollins; Timothy Rollins; Michelle Jones and her husband, Mike; Ryan Rollins and Tyler Rollins. She is also survived by her sister, Christine Avery of Lexington, brother in-law, Allen Baker of Westwood, several nieces and nephews, and many special friends. She was predeceased by her sister, Louise Baker of Westwood. Reposing at the Cartwight-Venuti Funeral Home, 845 Washington St., So. Braintree. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, October 20 at 11:00 AM in South Congregational Church, 1075 Washington St., Braintree. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Sunday, October 19 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM in the funeral home. Burial in the Veterans Administration National Cemetery in Bourne. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to South Congregational Church, 1075 Washington St., Braintree. For additional information, directions or to leave a sympathy message, visit www.cartwrightfuneral .com