Phyllis F. Willey

Mrs. Phyllis (Farnsworth) Willey, 79, of North Stratford, NH, passed away Sunday morning, May 23, 2004, at her home with her family by her side following a long illness. Mrs. Willey was born December 9, 1924, in North Stratford at her family home, daughter of the late Neal and Ruth Farnsworth. She attended local schools and in 1947 graduated from Plymouth Teachers College, currently known as Plymouth University. She taught primary grades in Franconia, NH, and in Danville, VT. Later, she taught kindergarten at her home in Reading, VT, and for many years taught Sunday School at the Reading Christian Union Church. On November 22, 1950, she was married to Mervyn Willey of Littleton, NH, in her family home that was built by her father in 1921, which is also the same house where she passed away. Mrs. Willey enjoyed gardening and her flowers, especially tulips, peonies, lilacs, Lily of the Valley and gladiolus. One of her favorite hobbies was cooking and baking for family and friends, church dinners and bake sales. In the early 1980’s, she made a family cookbook with the help of her husband and daughter-in-law, Kelly, entitled "Sharing Our Family Favorites". It was dedicated to all the family members who contributed their recipes towards making the cookbook possible. She also enjoyed road trips with her family to the coast of Maine, camping at Hapgood Pond in Peru, VT, and berry picking season. Mrs. Willey loved music and was an accomplished pianist who enjoyed playing for her family. She also loved poetry and enjoyed reading poetry with her family from such publications as "The Best Loved Poems by American People" and "Poems That Live Forever". Most of all, she loved her home and her surroundings in North Stratford. She had a fervent faith in the Lord, Psalm 34 was her favorite. A devoted wife to her husband and a wonderfully dedicated mother and grandmother. Mrs. Willey is survived by her husband, Mervyn Willey of 53 years; five sons: Daneal “Dan” Willey of Reading, VT, Desmond “Desi” and his wife, Kelly, of Windsor, VT, Darrel Willey of Windsor, VT, Dennis and his wife, Tina, of North Stratford, NH, and Dale Willey of North Stratford, NH; her sister, Ann Hawkins of Chester, VT; nine grandchildren: Jacob, Sarah, Emily, Aaron, Nick, Danielle, Neal, Brad and Luke; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Willey is preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter, Angela Willey.

Phyllis F. Willey

December 9, 1924 - May 23, 2004