Phyllis Melvin

Phyllis Melvin, age 62, passed quietly as a result of cancer on July 1, 2011. Phyllis was born in Wilmington, NC on October 20, 1948 and spent most of her childhood in Charlotte, NC. She was a graduate of Myers Park High School, Salem College, and the Bowman-Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University. In 1981, she married Phillip Lane from Kernersville, NC at her parents' home at Kiawah Island, SC.

Shortly thereafter she and Phil moved to Seattle to pursue their careers, his in architecture and hers with Boeing Computer Services. She served over 25 years with Boeing with distinction and retired in 2009 as an advanced computing technologist in the Division of Engineering and Operations Technology.

Phyllis was a scientist and naturalist that loved backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, skiing, hiking, and most of all birding. The outdoors and her garden were both her classroom and sanctuary. She was a capable, compassionate, and generous woman who enjoyed the warmth and laughter of her family and friends.

In addition to her husband, Phyllis is survived by her mother, Mary Elizabeth Melvin of Mercer Island, WA; her sister, Jean Melvin of Everett, WA; her uncle and aunt, David and Jo Ann Dobson of Chevy Chase, MD; numerous members of Phil's family; co-workers; and acquaintances and friends whom she cherished.

Phyllis was a very special person who was loved by many and will be deeply missed.