Worcester-Phyllis M. (Bennett) Jernberg, 97, died peacefully on Monday, February 12, 2018. She leaves a son Paul W. Jernberg of Worcester, a daughter Barrie Kramer of Hudson, 2 grandsons Thad W. Coontz and his partner Juliann Hench of Manasquan, N. J., Kris Coontz of Pasadena, CA and 3 Great Grandchildren, Max, William and Greta Coontz of Pasadena, CA. Phyllis was predeceased by her brother Gordon Bennett in 1960 and her beloved husband Robert H. Jernberg in 2002. She also leaves her dearest friend of 92 yrs., Dodie Ackley Marble.
Born in Worcester, she was the daughter of Mayor of Worcester (1938-45) and Sherriff of Worcester County (1945-63), William A. Bennett and Nellie (Bacon) Bennett. Phyllis was a graduate of South High School and the Worcester Art Museum School. She was a graphic artist at Norton Co. during WW II. After the war, she became a fashion illustrator with Filene’s Dept. store and then became an Art teacher at the Bancroft school for 20 yrs. before retiring. She was a member of the visiting board of the Washburn House in Worcester and a longtime member of the former Bethany Congregational Church in Worcester. In her retirement, she continued her artwork and enjoyed taking classes at the Worcester Craft Center.
A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 15th at 11 am. In Callahan, Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St, Worcester 01606