PETERBOROUGH, N.H. - Phyllis Anne Lee Ormiston, born in Endicott on Sept. 27, 1940, died in Manchester, New Hampshire on Oct. 31, 2019.
She was known as "Gram" to her family and "Philly" to dear friends. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.
Phyllis had an inherently curious mind and was a natural teacher.
After graduating from Oswego State College, she taught kindergarten at Charlotte Valley Central School in Davenport, was the education coordinator for head start in Schoharie County and taught GED classes for BOCES in Grand Gorge.
Phyllis had a flair for transforming spaces both inside and out and was an avid and talented gardener. She was an active volunteer in numerous organizations with formal roles in Cub Scouts, Scotch Valley Ski Team, Robinson Terrace Coffee Shop, Core Values and Stamford Village Improvement Association.
Phyllis and dear friend, Bette McDowell initiated the first "flower barrels" along Main Street in Stamford, as well as the holiday wreaths, both traditions that SVIA has perpetuated to this day.
In their later years, Phyllis and Dick, her beloved husband of 57 years, began spending their summers in Bradford, New Hampshire, hosting grandkids and friends on the lake and becoming known for their famous pancake breakfasts. Regardless of whether they were in Stamford or Bradford, friends and neighbors knew they could always find Phyllis and Dick sitting on their front porch, ready to offer lively conversation and a cold drink.
A loyal and committed friend, Phyllis was always a person you could count on. Whether it was whipping up a wedding cake, making a prom or wedding dress, reupholstering a chair, creating one of her signature dried-flower arrangements or simply providing a warm meal for an unexpected guest, Phyllis was always there.
As a mother, she instilled kindness and a strong work ethic in her children and served as a "second mom" to many of their friends.
Phyllis and Dick had a true love story...still holding hands after 55 years, and had just begun a new chapter together in Peterborough, New Hampshire.
Phyllis is survived by her husband, Dick; sister, Elsie; sons, Lee (Kasey) and Todd (Elizabeth); and grandchildren, Tucker, Maddox, Andie and Chase.
She was predeceased by her sister, Gloria Dykman; mother, Myra Schoening Lee; and father, Maynard Alphonso Lee.
A memorial celebration will be held at the Mill Pond Inn in Jefferson from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. Another memorial celebration will be held at a later date in Bradford, New Hampshire.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Stamford Village Improvement Association (SVIA) are welcome by sending a check to: SVIA, P.O. Box 44, Stamford, NY 12167, or by donating online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/phyllis-ormiston-tribute-fund-for-svia.