Phyllis R. Vose, 91

We regretfully announce the passing of Phyllis R. Sears Vose of Binghamton, New York, on Sept. 9, 2024. Phyl passed away peacefully with the comfort of her family by her side.

She was the adoring and loving mother of John, David, Debbie and Heidi. Phyl will be deeply missed by all who were loved by her and will remain forever in their hearts. 

Born in March of 1933 to Winthrop M. and Mildred A. (née Locke) Sears in Marblehead, Massachusetts, she graduated from Swampscott High School and attended University of Massachusetts-Amherst where she studied floriculture. Phyl enjoyed her young adult years working as an executive and personal secretary in Boston and relaxing with her pets at the family Win-Mill Farm in Sandwich. She settled and made her life and family in Laconia. Phyl eventually moved to Meredith, before making New York her final residence.

She embraced her role as a mother with unwavering dedication. Her family was the center of her world, and her nurturing spirit created a warm and loving home. She found her happiness at the ocean and joyfully shared that sacred place with her family and friends. Mostly she cherished spending her time with “the loves of her life,” her children, grand- and great-grandchildren. 

Known for her kindness and compassionate nature, Phyl touched the lives of those around her with grace and generosity. Her commitment to the community left an indelible mark. She was a very active volunteer, one of her favorites being the Meals on Wheels program. She served as a member of the Laconia Parks and Recreation Commission, co-vice chair of the board of deacons of Laconia Congregational Church, president of the Belknap Chapter of the American Cancer Society, and member of the Taylor Community Board of Directors. Phyl worked in insurance, banking, at WLNH, at Lakes Region General Hospital and The Sundial Shop in Laconia. Phyl championed the elderly, wanting to make a difference in their lives. Her big charitable heart gave support and contributions to Boys Town, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Wounded Warrior Project, Project Hope, Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation, Toys for Tots, Easterseals and many more programs for New Hampshire residents with disabilities. 

Phyl was an empathetic, caring and giving person who always put the needs of her family before her own. As a Christian, she found solace and strength in her faith. Known by her children as a “tough old bird,” she was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. She lived a warm and kind life, leaving behind a legacy of strength and compassion.

She leaves behind her children, John (Lynnette) Vose, David (Nancy) Vose, Deborah (Patrick) Vose McKernan, and Heidi Vose Robarge. Phyl also leaves behind 10 adoring grandchildren, Ryan and Shaun (Lisa) McKernan, Jared and Lauren Robarge, Jonathan, Cody and Ethan Vose, and Hannah, Haydn (Bella) and Snowdon Vose; and her five great-grandchildren, Patrick McKernan, Jackson Whitehurst, Teddy and Kensington Vose, and Dorothy McKernan. She is also survived by Pippa Vose, her former daughter-in-law, and an extension of close family, friends, and caregivers who will feel her loss terribly. 

Phyl was predeceased by her parents, her stepmother Christine W. Sears, her brother Winthrop E. "Win" Sears, and her sister Mary E. "Betty" Whitehouse.

A memorial service to honor Phyl’s life will be held  at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, at the Laconia Congregational Church, Laconia. Family and friends are invited to join in remembrance and support. A private graveside service for her immediate family will follow. She will be laid to rest beside her true love. In lieu of flowers the family requests you consider carrying out an act of kindness towards the elderly, whom she loved, in her name and memory.