M. Phyllis (McCarthy) Thayer

WINCHENDON - M. Phyllis (McCarthy) Thayer, 91, of 155 Grove Street, Winchendon, died peacefully Monday evening, May 10th, in Heywood Hospital, Gardner. She was born in Hyde Park, MA on January 16,1919, the daughter of the late John and Nettie (Martin) McCarthy and had lived in Winchendon for most of her life. She was a 1937 graduate of Murdock High School and was a graduate of Bryant and Stratton College. Many years ago, she was a secretary of the Boston Skating Club. Phyllis was a secretary at Murdock High School and Junior High School for many years until her retirement. Active in community affairs, she served on the Winchendon School Committee for several years. She was a long time member of the United Parish, where she was a Sunday School Teacher for many years and was a member of its Women's Society. Phyllis was nominated as Citizen of the Year by the former Winchendon Grange. She was also a member of the Winchendon Women's Club, Winchendon Garden Club, Winchendon Historical Society and Friends of the Beals Memorial Library. She was a also a member of the "Nutty Knitters", a group of veterans' wives, who originally met as a support group during World War Two and continued to meet for many years. Phyllis was an avid bridge player. She received her greatest enjoyment from spending time with her grandchildren. Her husband of 55 years, Roy A. Thayer, died in 1997. She leaves three children, John F. Thayer and his wife Bonnie of Winchendon, David R. Thayer and his fiancee Rhonda Collier of Winchendon and Wendy Lou Thayer of Gardner; a sister, Nancy O'Donnell of Gardner; six grandchildren, Melissa Thayer, Meghan Thayer, Devin Thayer, Daniel Thayer, Sarah Thayer and Caitlin Phelps and several nephews and nieces. Two sisters, Martha James and Joan Sparko, predeceased her. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 13th at 11 A.M. in the United Parish, 39 Front Street, Winchendon. The Rev. F. Calvin Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Wednesday, May 12th from 6 to 8 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to the United Parish, 39 Front Street, Winchendon, MA. 01475. www.stone-ladeau.com