WAYLAND: Phyllis E. (Thorpe) McNeill, 94, died peacefully and comfortably on December 19, 2014 following a period of declining health.
She was born in Somerville on June 17, 1920 the daughter of the late John J. Thorpe and Ella May (Weldin) Thorpe.
Phyllis was the loving and devoted wife for 68 years of the late Arthur Elliott McNeill who died on August 18, 2011, the former Vice President of Natick Federal Savings Bank.
She is survived by her loving and devoted daughters, Gail W. McNeill, DVM of Framingham; Kim T. McNeill of Framingham; Robin E. Cunningham, M.D. and her husband Wayne A Cunningham, Jr. of Natick; Bonnie P. Tracy and her husband Peter Tracy of Framingham and Sandra L. Curtis of Grafton. Also survived by 13 cherished grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Eleanor Bartlett Smith.
Phyllis has resided in Wayland for over 63 years and spent her formative years in Somerville where she graduated from Somerville High School. She attended the Katherine Gibbs School for Girls in Boston and began her career as an executive secretary for the Levor Brothers of Somerville. In the early 1940’s she was the executive secretary for the Somerville National Bank. In 1952 she moved to Wayland with her husband Arthur Elliott McNeill and raised their family. For 26 years she was associated with the Natick Army Labs Credit Union retiring in 1989. For many years she served on the Board of Directors for the Federal Credit Union Quartermaster in Natick. She was devoted to her husband, children and grandchildren and enjoyed summers on the Cape in Eastham. She loved swimming and especially the gatherings of her family at her home in Wayland where they enjoyed the swimming pool in the backyard. She was an avid reader and was self educated. Phyllis was an outgoing person and loved to be around people from all walks of life. She had a great eye for home decorating and design which was represented at her home in Wayland. She was also a great cook for family and friends. She will be fondly remembered as a gracious hostess and particularly for her wonderful Christmas parties where all were invited.
Private family interment was held in the McNeill family lot in Lakeview Cemetery in Wayland.
A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 11:00 am at the Community United Methodist Church, Corner of Route 27 and Damon St, Wayland.
In lieu of flowers, her family suggests that gifts in her memory may be sent to the ASPCA, 424 E. 92nd St, New York, NY 10128-6804 (aspca.org).
Arrangements entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Wayland. For online condolences please visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com.