Phyllis T Charles

Phyllis was born on November 26, 1928 in Deep River, CT to the late John F. and Anastasia (Adamcyk) Lukie. After graduating high school she attended business school and became a secretary and administrative assistant which she did throughout her life until her retirement.

On May 20, 1950 she married Samuel T. Charles. He predeceased her in 1971.

Before having children, Phyllis worked at Electric Boat during the crafting and launching of the USS Nautilus (SSN-571), which is the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine. After that, she left to focus on beginning her family. She was a member of her children's elementary school PTA and was asked to write a book for their school library which was extremely popular. Phyllis enjoyed being an avid leader in the scouting community for 10 years as her children grew. Scouting was a passion that her and her late husband shared and they both received awards. She was the recipient of the Fleur-De-Lis award from Bishop Vincent Hines. Among her many hobbies, she mostly took pleasure in camping, gardening, sewing and photography. She had a high appreciation for music and loved to dance. Phyllis was always into sports from playing to watching. She was a very enthusiastic Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan and never missed a game. She became very involved with researching her and her late husband's family history and in turn wrote an extensive book making sure every branch of the family received a copy so they would know where they came from and be able to add on their own information. In later years, Phyllis became an passionate lighthouse collector who had a very substantial and unique collection that brought her much joy. In addition to all of her accomplishments, she valued her family and her children above all. She was an affectionate and devoted mother and loved to dote on her grandchildren.

Phyllis is survived by her son Thomas Charles, her daughter Karen Crawford, her grandchildren; Jason Charles, Tiffany Crawford, Justin Charles and Jordin Charles and a great granddaughter, Willow Charles. She was predeceased by her husband along with her sisters, Dorothy Murphy, Genevieve Stike and a brother Leon Lukie.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family. You may leave a condolence at www.churchandallen.com as the Church & Allen Funeral Home in Norwich, CT is assisting the family with these arrangements.