Phyllis Lee Goedeke

Her parents, Philip and Ottie (Mossman) Fichtner welcomed their daughter into the world on February 7, 1934, in Burlington, Iowa. She grew up in South Bend, Indiana and was a 1952 graduate of Central High School. Following graduation, she attended the Traphagen School of Fashion Design in Manhattan, graduating in 1954.

Phyllis had many high school friends with whom she has stayed close to over the years. During high schools, she was deeply involved in the school’s musical and drama productions, designing costumes, set designs as well as acting in these productions. These were times that brought her great joy!

At an early age, Phyllis won a contest for designing and making of dresses for dolls. This started her on her designer career, designing and managing a team of seamstress in the creation of bridal gowns with Ann Bailey Company of PA.

She was an avid collector of "Play Dolls”, was a member of several doll clubs, and attended Sasha Doll Festivals worldwide.

She also enjoyed quilting and she loved to bake. She had a green thumb and was hugely successful in growing beautiful orchids. Her artistic skills included watercolors and pencil sketches of portraits.

Mrs. Goedeke resided in Pembroke Pines, Florida for many years until moving to Marlborough in 2007, following the death of her husband of 52 years, Friedrich W. Goedeke in 2006.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Seelen and her husband, John, of Marlborough, a son, Christopher P. Goedeke and his wife, Lidia, of Gilbertsville, PA; her grandchildren, Geoffrey Seelen and his wife, Katie Murray, William Seelen, Erika Goedeke; and a brother, Edward Fichtner and his wife, Paula, of Brooklyn Heights, NY. Twin sisters, Joann Leiser and Mary Ann Mountain, predeceased her.

Services for Mrs. Goedeke will be held privately by the family.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Mrs. Goedeke’s memory to Home Healthcare Hospice and Community Services, PO Box 564, Keene, NH 03431.