I know I am joined by so many others in missing Phyllis Newman, a woman who commanded deep affection and admiration. Hers was a life lived with compassion, of actively helping people and serving her community, of love and pride in her family, and generosity toward her friends. She was a true lady, warm and gracious, reaching out her hand to grasp yours, her eyes twinkling, making you feel like someone really special. Whenever she thought she might have been talking too much about herself, she’d say, “But enough about this old dame—tell me what’s new with you.”
I loved when she referred to herself as “this old dame,” not only because of the incongruity, but also because it showed such a healthy sense of humor about herself and a positive attitude toward life’s changes. I see her standing across the room upstairs in the Congregational Church before the renovation. Her hair is perfectly styled; she wears a dress and jewelry; her cane is parked against the wall and she holds lightly to a chair. We are doing aerobics.
Phyllis met life with incredible strength and faith. It was a fierce trio: Phyllis, God, and Hannah. Phyllis did her own hard work, but she believed the Lord often put good things in her lap. And when she was really determined about something, she would declare, “So help me Hannah,”—and “Hannah” apparently did.
Being around Phyllis made you happy because her joy in things was infectious. Many a sentence began with “Hey!” conveying her enthusiasm and delight in what she was about to say. She was grateful for small things and she celebrated what she had rather than bemoan what she had lost.
With the help and support of her family, Phyllis remained independent until the last possible moment and stayed active and productive. She was an inspiration to me, and I’m sure to others, of how to age with purpose, dignity, and joy. I like to think of her riding in the red convertible as Grand Marshall in the 2010 Fourth of July Parade, waving and smiling from under her elegant navy blue picture hat.
Carlene Phillips
Oak Hill Road
