Phyllis G. Read

She was 83 years of age. Born in Everett, MA, she was the daughter of Thomas and Alice Greene. She attended Everett High School and, for many years, was employed at Omnicare in Manchester, NH.

Phyllis moved to Londonderry from Everett, Massachusetts, after marrying Robert (Bob) C. Read, also from Everett. They met in the bank where she worked after Bob kept coming in for “business,” of which he had none, and they soon married. She and Bob were inaugural members of the neighborhood on Devonshire Lane in Londonderry and loved living there, largely because of their wonderful neighbors. Every day, Phyllis could be seen walking the neighborhood with her dear friends, Mary and Sue.

Phyllis was a huge animal lover and parent to many cats, dogs, and a couple of pet mice over the years. She was an avid gardener, but a less avid weeder of said gardens. Every year, she added new ones, as evidenced by the ever-expanding flower beds and ever-shrinking lawn. One of her most amazing skills was her eye for a scene and her ability to paint it.

For many years, Phyllis played tennis and attended “fitness” with a group in Derry. She once hiked up Mount Washington with the group and was both thrilled about her adventure and proud of her accomplishment.

Phyllis loved a good perm and her trips to TJ Maxx (or TJ’s, as she called it) where, like her daughter, Leslie, she had a tremendous capacity to buy things. A personal favorite was the rather large “Set It and Forget It Personal Rotisserie” that sat largely unused on a counter in her kitchen for many years. Phyllis was an excellent cook, and enjoyed spending long hours with Leslie in the kitchen and traveling to Europe, where they always had great food and wine.

Phyllis absolutely adored her grandchildren, Emily and Alexis. She loved to draw and paint with them, and never passed up a chocolate chip cookie or ice cream when they were together. She also shared her love of the salty air and rocky coast of Maine, lobster and fried clams with both Matthew and Leslie. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her son K. Matthew Read and his wife, Jennifer S. Read of Monroe, Connecticut, and their two children Emily and Alexis, her daughter Leslie M. Read, of Boston, Massachusetts, and her sister, Marsha Barker of Rutland, Vermont. She was predeceased by her husband of many years, Robert C. Read.

Private services will be held at a later date in New Hampshire.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to New Hampshire SPCA (nhspca.org).