Phyllis Ann Cullinane

Phyllis A. (Buckley) Cullinane, 85, of Marlborough, formerly of Sudbury, MA, died on July 24, 2026. Phyllis was a lover of books, a children's librarian, a gardener, a baker of bread and cookies, and a friend to just about everyone she met. She spent her life taking care of the people around her quietly and without being asked.

Phyllis was born on January 30, 1941, and graduated from Somerville High School. She went on to earn a Master's degree in Library Science from Simmons College in Boston, and spent her career working with children in local schools and community libraries. She had a knack for putting the right book in a kid's hands, and she loved doing it.

She and her husband, Thomas, were married for 59 years and raised three children. Home was where she was happiest. She loved a good book and her garden, and this summer she was especially proud of the sunflower she grew at her plot at New Horizons. Her grandchildren knew her kitchen well and there was usually bread or cookies in the oven. She loved hearing about their adventures and pastimes and celebrating their big moments with them. She treasured her family close by in Massachusetts and made the trip often to California to see family farther away. She held a special place in her heart for Maine, especially Frye Island, and she loved to travel. Wherever she went, she came home with a new friend. Closer to home, she enjoyed the Boston Ballet, Art in Bloom at the Museum of Fine Arts, her knitting group, a bit of fashion, and a good day of shopping.

Phyllis was predeceased by her parents, Jeremiah Buckley and Charlotte (Guszczyski) Buckley, and by her siblings Rita, Charles, and Robert. She is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas Cullinane; her daughter Ellen Coleman and son-in-law Stefan Coleman; her daughter Carey Cullinane; and her son Michael Cullinane. She also leaves her siblings Gerald Buckley and Charlotte Grant, her grandchildren Jacob, Joseph, and Logan, many nieces and nephews, and dear friends who were like family.

Her family will miss her greatly, and will think of her and smile whenever a garden comes into bloom.

Visitation will be held at Duckett - J.S. Waterman & Sons Funeral Home, 656 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, MA 01776, US, on August 3, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima, 160 Concord Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776, US, on August 4, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Interment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Phyllis's memory to: the children's program at the Goodnow Library.