SANFORD –

Phyllis (McCluer Gillings) Mitchell, age 94, of Sanford, Maine, departed this life on February 26, 2021 at the Lodges Care Center in Springvale.

She and her life’s partner, Roger, shared an incredible journey together.  They met in grammar school and chummed around with the same group of loyal friends long before they became a twosome in high school.  Sanford High won the State Football Championship in 1942, and Phyllis wore the gold football charm earned by the team’s co-captain, Roger.  It is impossible to tell her story without telling of them as a twosome.

After graduation, Phyllis attended Nasson College’s 2-year Secretarial Program during which time she and Roger corresponded through letters while he served in the Army/Air Force.  They were married June 28, 1947.

She used her secretarial skills at Batchelder’s Insurance and Sanford High School office.  She worked many years at Springvale National Bank as a teller and secretary to William Ferguson, eventually becoming a Loan Officer and later Branch Manager.

Together they raised four children. They always worked as a team.  Volunteering was their way to help and get back.  They delivered “Meals on Wheels,” the American Red Cross and the Soup Kitchen.  She was a deaconess at the North Parish Congregational Church and a Scout den mother.

Music and church were an important part of her life.  She loved to play the organ and piano and was Youth Choir Director while at the Methodist Church.  She enjoyed sharing fond memories of playing duets with her best friend Marjorie Dunnells Chadbourne and her sister, Gladys.

Phyllis loved crafts!  Cake decorating, ceramics, flower arranging, sewing her own Square Dance Dresses, cut lamp shades, wreath making, decorating the church for the Christmas Fair along with holiday decorations for the Springvale National Bank.  Her latest was Stained Glass art.  Her largest piece was four panels wide for her four section bow window featuring birds, flowers, entwined branches and leaves.

For many years, they Round and Square Danced reaching Second Degree Challenge Level. She loved to travel with family, cruises with friends, enjoyed swimming and kayaking at the camp at Square Pond, adventures in their camper and the family cottage at Wells Beach.  She enjoyed having family gather at her house for celebrations. Animals were constant family members: Goldens, Collies, and cats.

She is now at rest and joining her parents, Edward and Elsie Gillings and her sister Gladys Waddington.  Sadly missed by Roger after nearly 74 years of marriage and children Sharon Brown, Pamela MacDow, Gregory Mitchell and Jeffrey Mitchell and their spouses along with 14 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, a niece, and 4 nephews.

Her family greatly appreciates the wonderful caring staff at the Lodges and Hospice who went above and beyond with keeping her safe, comfortable and Covid-free!

 

 

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