Phyllis Ella Skeffington

Old Town - Phyllis Ella Skeffington, 73, died peacefully August 29, 2016, at a local hospital with her family by her side. She was born October 25, 1942, in Woonsocket, RI, a daughter of Michael Joseph and Ella Ottilla (Rohr) Leduke.

She grew up in Rhode Island and studied business classes at Bryant College. After marriage she and her husband moved to Fort Bragg, NC, and then to Houlton, ME, before settling in Old Town, ME, in 1970, where she worked as a bookkeeper for several local businesses including R.M. Flagg Co., The Hasey Co. and 3-E Co. A Notary Public, for several years she also owned and managed Old Town Redemption Center. Phyllis, or as she was affectionately known by - "Big Phyl," "Bubby," "my bride," "Mom," "Auntie FiFi," "Frugal Phyl", "Gummy Dirt" and "Grammy," always put family first. When her children were younger, she would knit them sweaters and mittens. As her children had children, she frequently traveled to southern Maine to attend their various concerts, competitions, recitals and sporting events, including support of the South Portland Music Boosters. Phyllis' passions were yard "sailing" and her garden. Three seasons a year you could find her out in her yard tending to her various flower and vegetable gardens. She was always on the lookout for bargains, most often presents and clothing for her 4 grandchildren. She was also known for the beautiful baskets and wreaths that she made. Upon retirement she enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends on Caribbean cruises. In recent years she developed a special bond with her youngest son, Keith, and they became best friends. She will be fondly remembered by all her children and grandchildren for her "Phylisms" - "What goes around, comes around," "That's the ticket," "When I get a round tuit," "I'll get right on that" and many more.

She is survived by her high school sweetheart, her husband of 50 years, Edmund G. Skeffington Jr.; and their three children: son, Craig Ryan Skeffington and his wife, Carrie Ellen (Stewart), of South Portland and their children, Hannah Grace and Molly Elizabeth; daughter, Sheila Lynn Myhaver and her husband, Daniel Paul, of Gray and their children, Casey MacMillan and Riley Elizabeth; and son, Keith Aaron Skeffington of Bangor; sister, Beverly Ann Sweet and her husband, David, of Seekonk, MA; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Donald Michael Leduke.

A time to celebrate her life will be Sunday, September 11, 2016, from 1-4 p.m. at the Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. As a way to celebrate Phyllis, we invite guests to wear something in her favorite color yellow if they so choose. Private interment will be at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. Memorial contributions may be made to CancerCare of Maine, care of EMHS Foundation, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402 www.emhsfoundation.org or to Alpha One Independent Living, 127 Main Street, South Portland, ME 04106, www.alphaonenow.org.