Phyllis Ann (Landry) McPhee

Mrs. Phyllis A. (Landry) McPhee, 90, of Holliston, MA, and formerly of Milford, MA and Foster, RI died peacefully on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at the Milford Regional Medical Center.  She was the beloved wife of the late James L. McPhee, who predeceased her in 1979, and Robert O’Connell, who predeceased her in 2008. She is also predeceased by her only brother, Paul Landry.

Phyllis, a beloved mother and grandmother, leaves behind a large family legacy.  She is survived by her 6 children: Kathleen McPhee of Providence, RI, James McPhee and his wife Laurie of Tabernash, CO, Geraldine McPhee and her husband, Trevor Allen of Pawtucket, RI, Joseph McPhee and his wife Amy of Lincoln, RI, Suzanne Beltramini and her husband Mark of Medway, MA and Andrew McPhee of Warwick, RI.  She leaves 8 grandchildren (Austin, Victoria, Jimmy, Sheldon, Caleb, Sophia, Kyle, and Anna) and 12 nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her dedicated companion Paul Gallagher.

Phyllis was born in Cambridge, MA, the daughter of the late Roy and the late Anna (Bromberger) Landry.  She was raised in Watertown, MA, where she graduated from Watertown High School in the Class of 1949. She was an enthusiastic skier, and belonged to the Boston Ski and Sports Club where she met her future husband, Jim McPhee. She was lifelong learner who followed her passion for interior design and color studies through coursework at various colleges.  

She was first employed by John Hancock Life Insurance Company in Boston, MA.  After marriage and children, she pursued work in supportive housing for the disabled in Cranston, RI.  In pursuing one of her many artistic passions, she started work at “Ferns and Flowers”, a floral shop located in Warwick, RI.  Supporting her family needs, she later became a Real Estate Agent.  With children grown, she later moved to Milford, MA where she was employed by The Town of Hopedale, supporting special school programs.

Phyllis had a lifelong love of the Arts, Gardening, Crafting and Dancing.  Her creativity was consistently reflected in her love of fashion. Whether it was a ballroom dance, or working in the garden, Phyllis was always perfectly coordinated with her incredible fashion sense.  She was a regular dancing at “Mosley’s on the Charles” beginning in her 20’s and throughout her later years.  With her artistic talents and generous spirit toward others she would uncover people’s passions and after thoughtful consideration, would respond with a handmade card, a piece of art, a watercolor painting, a special poem/reading, or a thoughtful handmade gift, enforcing her understanding of their personal interests and feelings.

Although a ‘Bostonian’ at heart, Phyllis and her late husband, Jim moved from Boston and started their family in the Hartford, CT area.  As their family grew, they moved to the small town of Foster, RI where they established their home at the historic Mt. Vernon Tavern (Circa, 1756).  Through their pursuits, this home was soon after recorded on the National Register of Historic Places.  Settling into this home with her family brought Phyllis pride and joy. It fed her passion for early American homes, Art, and period antiques. 

Phyllis was an influential and spiritual force with a warm heart and tireless energy.  She had a significant impact on her family and all the people that knew her, with the sincere and thoughtful connection she made with people. During the family’s time in Foster, RI, Phyllis became very active in the small community in attracting and developing a community of Catholics. This community group was instrumental in establishing St. Paul’s Parish, the first Catholic Church in Foster, RI.  She taught Catechism for years and influenced many young adults. What resulted was a strong and lasting sense of community and lifelong enduring friendships. She was also a lifelong advocate for her son Andrew and other disabled youth living in Rhode Island.  As a founding member of the “Parents and Friends for Alternate Living in RI” she participated in promoting non-institutional living for people with special needs.

Later, in Phyllis’ move to the Hopedale, MA area, she remained a long-time communicant of Sacred Heart Church.  Through the rest of her life, Phyllis remained very active in her faith and this church community, serving on numerous councils and committees. With her intense spirituality, she had a compassionate ear for those with troubles, and provided positive, thoughtful, honest and empathic support and guidance.  She sewed this into the fabric of her everyday life and those she touched. No one was a stranger to Phyllis once she met them. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her.  Please help us honor Phyllis in showing kindness and compassion to others.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday (December 11th) at 12 NOON in Sacred heart Church, 187 Hopedale Street, Hopedale, MA 

A Private Committal Service of her cremains will be held at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, RI on Monday December 13th.

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