She was born in Rumford on Nov. 11, 1923, a daughter of Edward and Mary Gaudet McKenna. She was educated in Rumford and Bath schools and was in the class of 1943 at Morse High School.
As a young girl, Phyllis worked at Excel Cleaners in Bath and as a young married mother worked at Excel Cleaners in Biddeford. She later worked at various jobs until moving to Florida. She attended PBX School in Florida and became an operator at the Department of Transportation and one of the large lumber yards in Ft. Lauderdale.
Phyllis retired and returned home to Bath, to be with her family, when she was diagnosed with cancer. Phyllis recovered from her illness, as she had from polio that she had as a child.
In her retirement she volunteered as a foster grandmother, which was one of her favorite things to do. Phyllis was a quiet person who enjoyed being with her family and friends, as well as her books. She loved being with her grand and great grandchildren, and looked forward every Sunday to her son calling from Florida.
Phyllis loved being at the Plant Home for the past 10 years and took great joy in considering the staff and friends as family, and we thank them very much.
She is predeceased by her brother, Joseph “Buster” McKenna, and her sisters, Shirley Seekins and Ada Brown, all of Bath.
Surviving are two children, Sally Hersom and her husband Fred of Bath and Stephen Goulette and his wife Louise of Florida; three grandchildren, Rick, Josh and Rhiannon; four greatgrandchildren, Tanny, Sloan, Grady and Rhyleigh; and several nieces and nephews, who she was close to.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 17 at Oak Grove Cemetery in Bath.
To express your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
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