Phyllis Herald Verney, 80, of Alna, died peacefully September 8, 2012 at her home with her husband of 57 years, Richard, by her side.

Phyllis was born May 4, 1932, in Damariscotta to Lester and Isabel Herald.  She attended Lincoln Academy graduating in 1950. Four years later she married her lifelong husband Richard, on July 25, 1954 at the Baptist Church in Damariscotta. They were blessed with four children, three sons and a daughter.  

In addition to being a dedicated homemaker, she worked at Sylvania, delivered mail for Alna, and transported Alna’s kindergarten students to and from school in her station wagon also known as “mini bus” from the mid-1960s well into the 1990s. She also provided home care to the elderly up until very recently.

Phyllis loved spending time with her family at the Verney Weekend Retreat in North New Portland, where she enjoyed snowmobiling and swimming at the Wire Bridge. Another favorite spot of hers was behind her home where she loved to feed geese at her and Richard’s cabin on their “Golden Pond.” 

Always a good host, Phyllis was a great cook and loved to hold many family events, such as skating parties, at her home. She was also known for spending time traveling with her family in their camper to country fairs and antique engine shows as far away as New Brunswick, Canada and Orange, Mass., while making many friends along the way. 

Phyllis was also a familiar face at the Fourth of July and Memorial Day parades, where she and Richard always creatively displayed their antique engines for the community. Phyllis was also a dedicated member of the Garrison Hill Grange for 63 years, an avid Celtics fan, and she enjoyed weekly league bowling and beano. 

She was predeceased by her parents and brothers, Carl, Dougie and Charlie Herald.

She is survived by her husband, Richard; sister, Patty Waltz and her husband Bobby; sister, Marjorie West of Jefferson; son, Jeffrey Verney and his wife Janet; son, Jay Verney and his wife Linda; son, Joel Verney and Tim Richards of Alna; and daughter, Joy Dodge and her husband Alan of Edgecomb. She is also survived by three special granddaughters, Tabatha, Kristina and Johanna Verney of Alna; two step-grandsons, Donny and Maurice Hyson of Damariscotta; as well as three great-grandchildren and many cherished nieces and nephews. 

A service will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday, Sept. 13 at the Hill Church in Sheepscot, with a gathering following at the Sheepscot Clubhouse.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maine Antique Power Assn., c/o Patricia Kelley, Treasurer, 25 Wessnette Drive, Hampden, ME 04444-3015.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St. in Damariscotta. Condolences and messages for the family may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.