Phyllis Rae Rascoe

Phyllis H. Rascoe, affectionately known as Mom, (formerly) of Havertown PA passed away November 15, 2025 at Transitions Life Care. She was born June 12, 1934 in Reading, PA, daughter of the late Felton and Lurelda (Steelman) Harlan. Growing up in Reading, Phyllis was a member of The Nativity Lutheran Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir. In high school she was a member of the A Cappella choir, bridge club and editor of the French newspaper. She also served as chairman of the Y-Teen program at Reading High School and graduate in 1952.

She worked for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where she met and fell in love with Dr. Robert R. Rascoe. They were married in December of 1955. They resided in Havertown, Pa raising their two daughters and were members of the Temple Lutheran Church of Brookline. Phyllis was quite the seamstress, sewing clothes and costumes for her and the family. She was a talented artist, painting portraits, still life’s and landscapes in oils. She loved all the many family trips that were taken over the years.

Mom moved to Cary, NC in September 2021 where she became a resident of Woodland Terrace Senior Community. She loved participating in word games, trivia, crossword puzzles and attended all the music programs. She always amazed us in the yearly spelling competitions. We are forever grateful to everyone at Woodland Terrace for the wonderful care and friendship shown to mom. Woodland Terrace became part of our family.

Mom will always be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, grandma and Gigi. She will be deeply missed.

Phyllis is survived by her two daughters, Rachel R. McGuinness of New Hill, NC and Jennifer R. (Mark) Blanton of Cary, NC., a granddaughter, Meredith B. (Chris) Gaines of Elon, NC. and three great grandchildren, Mark, Griffin and Stella.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 2:00pm at Woodland Terrace, 300 Kildaire Woods Drive, Cary, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations for Phyllis Rascoe may be mailed to:

Transitions Kids Program

250 Hospice Circle

Raleigh, NC 27607

For online donations go to

Transitionslifecare.org ( kids may be specified)

Or

WakeMed Foundation

Attn: Cassandra Bolduc

3000 New Bern Ave.

Raleigh, NC 27610

In memo write in memory of Phyllis Rascoe and specify children’s services

Or

Website donation

Wakemed.org/giving/make-a-gift/one-time-gift

Designate children’s services and in memory of Phyllis Rascoe