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Phyllis Likens Obituary
Candor: Phyllis Irene Craig Likens died peacefully at home on December 19, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Gene E. Likens of Clinton Corners, NY; daughters Heather Toyryla Dahl of Rhinebeck, NY, Leslie Likens Armbruster (Mitch) of Apex, NC, Kathy Likens Carapetyan (Ron) of Apex, NC, and son Gregory Likens (Michele) of Brewster, NY. Her seven beloved grandchildren, Sierra, Maxwell, Samuel, Joseph, Noah, Louis and Jason were the apples of her eye. She also is survived by her mother, Irene Craig, and two sisters, Diane Craig and Lynn Craig of Candor, NY. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas R. Craig; two brothers, Thomas M. Craig, Richard E. Craig, and her sister, Corinne Craig Howe. Phyllis was born in Binghamton, NY on September 23, 1951. After graduating from Candor Central School District in 1969 (captain of the cheerleading team), she attended Bryant and Stratton Business Institute in Buffalo. She worked at Cornell University and the Institute of Ecosystem Studies for more than 40 years, and was renowned for her typing and administrative skills. She loved chocolate, a glass of wine, birds (with a keen eye for spotting them), fishing, canoeing, photography, and reading. She traveled widely with her husband and enjoyed gardening including as President of Dutchess Garden Study Club in 1993-1995. She will be fondly remembered for her many contributions to the internationally recognized Hubbard Brook Ecosystem Study in the White Mountains of NH. Numerous friends from around the world reached out to her during her prolonged illness. Her passing leaves the world a greatly diminished place, but her indefatigable spirit, caring nature, laughter and sense of humor will live on. Calling hours will be on Sunday December 28 from 6-8pm at Allen Funeral Home, 3270 Franklin Ave., Millbrook, NY. A memorial service will be held at 10:30am on Monday December 29 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hartford Health Care at Home-Hospice, 34 Ledgebrook Dr., Mansfield, CT 06250.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Likens
Jonathan Cole
December 17, 2019
I worked with Phyllis from the time I entered graduate school at Cornell in 1977 and then again when I joined the staff at Cary in 1983 through about 2012. She was warm, funny, and smart. I miss her. She was both a coworker and a friend.
Rebecca Bormann
January 11, 2015
All those that Phyllis touched are better for having known her. She was a lovely person and she leaves a hole in the world. My sympathies to all her family
Kevin Bulger
January 4, 2015
Phyllis was dear friend to me for as long as I can remember. She was funny and pleasure to be around. I will miss her as I would miss a member of my own family. I cannot imagine what a loss this is to here family. God Bless You Phyl.
Dave McFadden
December 29, 2014
Gene and family -
The end of life provides an opportunity to celebrate a life well lived. Phyllis's life was full and deserving of an Amen! Your Manchester family is with you in thought and prayer during your grief and joy.
Dave McFadden
December 29, 2014
Dear Gene:
Your friends at Manchester University extend our heart-felt condolences at the death of our beloved Phyllis. We hope that you feel surrounded and sustained by the love of family and friends during this difficult time of transition. Blessings, Tim McElwee
December 29, 2014
John Confer and Karen Allaben-Confer
From the White Mountains to Madison to the enthusiasm of Phyllis for Karen's art shows at IES, these are among our treasured memories. May the best of these memories live with her family and with Gene.
December 25, 2014
Dear Irene and family,our sincere sympathy to all of you. Garry and Mary Davidson
Rena
December 25, 2014
Heather and Family-
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. She will forever remain in your heart and be your guardian angel.
Greg and Candice Lewis
December 24, 2014
Our hearts go out to Gene and family. Phyllis was so positive and supportive - we know her spirit lives on.
Birgit and Anders Köhler
December 23, 2014
We wish to send you our condolences.
We were and remain impressed and touched by Phyllis kindness, humbleness, strength and the great love for both people and life she radiated.
We mourn the loss of Phyllis
and think of you and your family.
December 23, 2014
We wish to send you our condolences.
We were and remain impressed and touched by Phyllis kindness, humbleness, strength and the great love for both people and life she radiated.
We mourn the loss of Phyllis
and think of you and your family.
Birgit and Anders Köhler, Uppsala, Sweden
Jurek Kolasa
December 23, 2014
My deepest feelings of sympathy to Gene and the family. We will all be missing her spirit and energy. I have the fondest memories of Phyllis.
Lynn Leopold
December 23, 2014
Phyllis was one of the most upbeat, kind, open-hearted people I've ever known. It was an honor to have been a friend. I, along with countless others will miss her hugely and her huge heart! My deepest sympathy for all the Likens family.
Dave & Kate Boland
December 23, 2014
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
Hank Ferris
December 23, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Craig and Liken families!
Keith&Roxanne Hills and Family
December 23, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Vera Huszar
December 22, 2014
We will allways remember you with love. Fabio, Vera, Andrei and Vinicius (from Brasil)
December 22, 2014
"There are angels among us"
Kim Barrows
December 22, 2014
My condolences to all the Craig/Likens families. I'm so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this time.
Donna & Al Vergason
December 22, 2014
The Vergasons extend their sincere condolences to the entire family. Phyllis has joined her siblings And what a party they will have! It is harder for those left behind. We will have to celebrate her life and the memories Phyllis has left with us. Mine are very fond. There is now more laughter and sparkle in the Heavens. God Bless you.
Tom Bianchi
December 22, 2014
Jo Ann and I very much enjoyed our times spent with you and Gene, you will be missed by many...
Roger Weber
December 22, 2014
Mrs.C,Diane,and Lynn: I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Phyllis.I have fond memories of our times in Candor.The "Owego street gang" has lost another member.Until we all meet in heaven, for that big kick ball game,God bless you all. Again,I am very sorry for your loss. Roger.
December 22, 2014
Gene, Heather, Sierra, Renie, Diane, Lynn and all your families...our hearts are broken. A beautiful, vibrant lady is gone. She is free from this terrible disease and probably had the best welcome into Heaven anyone could have with the likes of all her family and mine there too to show her the way. All our love to you, Peggy, Adrienne, and Adam Matta
Jody & Joe
December 22, 2014
May you find comfort in the memories of time shared with one another
Bonnie Whitney
December 22, 2014
Sincere condolences on your loss. It's been a difficult time but now Phyllis can rest in peace without suffering. May you also find comfort and peace.
Bonnie Whitney
December 22, 2014
Sincere condolences to the Craig family. It's been a tough rode but Phylis is now at peace.
Peggy Williams
December 22, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Craig family. I was a cheerleader with Phyllis and always enjoyed her bubbly spirit.
Vicky Kelly & Family
December 22, 2014
While the world will keep spinning, it will be a bit off balance without Phyllis. Our deepest condolences to all of the remarkable Likens and Craig families.
Larry and Joan Meddsugh
December 22, 2014
Dear Irene, Diane and Lynn and family
So sorry to hear of the loss of you dear daughter and sister and mom,
As I read through the many entries in the legacy guest book, I was able to get a wonderful picture of what Phyllis was like. Her personality, her love of people and her all around character.
I got to see a lot of her parents especially in her and that says a lot, especially her love of people and her ability to make friends says volumes of who she was, a wonderful and loving daughter of Tom and Irene Craig.
May the memories you shared when the kids were growing up and the good times you had together as adults and the blessings of grandchildren, be the memories that bind you together during your time of sorrow.
May you feel Gods arms of comfort as he cradles you in his love.
In Christian love
Joan and Larry
Sandy Strong
December 21, 2014
So sorry to hear,Irene,Lynn,and Diane.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this time.May the love of GOD strengthen you.
Pete, Joyce, Jerry Shaylor
December 21, 2014
To the whole family this is a sad day but Phyllis has left you all with so many mementoes may her passing bring peace from her pain and light in the ski that she is looking down on everyone saying that she is pain free love you all and Phyllis may you RIP
AndyTracey McIntire
December 21, 2014
So sorry for your loss..Take comfort in knowing that now you have another special guardian angel to watch over you.
Beth Tonelli
December 21, 2014
Dear Kathy and Leslie,
My prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless you.
Beth
Mark Bishop
December 21, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Craig Family. I didn't know her well, but if she was half as nice as the rest of her family, I would of truly been a friend. If there's anything You need let me know.
Denise Ahart
December 21, 2014
Although my heart is heavy, Phyl leaves such a legacy! It says volumes about her love of her family as you all rallied to care for her, and to support each other through this difficult journey. Phyl made friends wherever she went, and their love for her was evident as they surrounded you with their love and support. We would all be fortunate to have had that kind of impact! Love, hugs, thoughts, and prayers continue for all of you.
Susan Dence Tubbs
December 21, 2014
For my dear life long friend. I miss you, but take comfort in our memories. I love you.
Jonathan Cole
December 21, 2014
Pyllis - You will be missed.
December 21, 2014
WHAT GRAND LADY! OUR SINCERE THOUGHTS & PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY! MARTY & TERESA RAHILLY.
Kris Shuford
December 21, 2014
Phyllis,
You touched so many lives and will be missed immensely. May your beautiful spirit live on through all of us!
Becky Dolfinger-Curtis
December 21, 2014
The world is indeed dimmer without Phyllis' light and love for all. Prayers and thoughts with her family at this time.
Bennett and Wes Cotten
December 21, 2014
Kathy, much love goes out to you and your family. Your mother was a remarkable woman. We will keep you in our hearts.
December 21, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. She will be missed.
Phyllis Haight
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