Carmela McPhee

She was a Native of Lee County, Florida and spent over 70 years in Southwest Florida before relocating to Gainesville, where she enjoyed her remaining years. She was deeply loved and compassionately cared for in her final days, passing peacefully with dignity and grace.

She was educated in Fort Myers, attending Gwynne Institute, Tice School, and graduated from Fort Myers Senior High School with the Class of 1956. She also attended classes at Edison College.

Carmela is lovingly remembered by her granddaughter, Chanda Joy O’Brien (Boswell); her husband, David O’Brien; and their children Connell, Sullivan and Finley Claire, who brought her great joy.

She is also remembered by two nephews, Dennis Jackson and John Martin, and four nieces, Barbara Jackson, Linda Martin, Anna Puglisi, and Vicky Puglisi.

She was preceded in death by her only daughter, Kimberly Lee McPhee (Boswell); her parents, Frank and Irene Puglisi (Bahret); her brother, Alfred Puglisi; and her sisters, Mary Puglisi (Jackson) and Nancy Puglisi (Martin).

Carmela dedicated 38 years to H&R Block, Inc., serving as a District Manager for Lee, Hendry, Collier, and Charlotte Counties. In 1978, she acquired an H&R Block franchise serving the communities of Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and southern Sarasota County. As a franchise owner, she represented H&R Block franchises throughout Florida and parts of Georgia at corporate meetings in Kansas City, Missouri. She was an active member of several business organizations. She sold her interest in the franchise in 2004 and entered semi-retirement.

As a resident of Gateway, she served as President of her Community Association, President of the Gateway Investment Club, and was an active member of the Gateway Women’s Club.

Carmela will be remembered as a savvy businesswoman, admired for her unwavering independence. Her life was one of determination, resilience and devotion to those she loved, her memory will be treasured always.

Carmela will be laid to rest beside her beloved daughter, Kimberly, in a private family celebration of life.