Phyllis Stranahan

Phyllis Anderson Stranahan, of Marlborough MA, died peacefully with her children around her on Friday, January 15, 2021, at the age of 91. She was received into the arms of Jesus and is now in Heaven, joining her beloved late husband John A. Stranahan, with whom she shared 55 blessed years and who passed away April 1, 2013.
Born in Stockholm, Maine on February 6, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Martin G. Anderson and the late Ruth Olson Anderson.
Phyllis spent her early years in Stockholm, and at the age of 12 moved with her family to Brighton, MA. Soon they moved to Belmont, MA, where she graduated from Belmont High School in 1945.  After high school she had various jobs, working as a telephone operator for the phone company and as a bank teller in Boston.  In 1948, Phyllis attended Barrington Bible College where she studied Christian Education and earned a BA degree in 1952. This training prepared her for many years of heartful teaching and volunteer work focused on children.
Phyllis' strong Christian faith and love for the Lord Jesus Christ led her to Park Street Church in Boston, where she met John A. Stranahan, and in 1957 they began their 55-year marital journey.  Phyllis and John settled in Newton Upper Falls where they raised 5 children and worshipped as a family at Second Baptist Church.  Phyllis' heart for children led her to serve in the church nursery, teach Bible Club, lead crafts for Pioneer Girls, and teach Vacation Bible School.  She also served on many church committees, attended women's Dorcas Circle, and was a Deaconess for several years.  She was also a long-time member of the Women's Club of Newton Highlands.
Phyllis worked at Newton Upper Falls Co-operative Nursery School starting in 1969 and eventually became the head teacher, retiring in 1991.  In the 1970's she volunteered at the Emerson Elementary School, leading the after-school arts and crafts program.
Through the years, Phyllis enjoyed gardening, puzzle-making, crocheting and knitting, and visits with family and friends. With her family and then later with her husband John, she took many trips to Maine to visit relatives at Madawaska Lake and the town of Stockholm.
She is survived by her five children: Ruth Forrand and her husband Dave; Bill Stranahan and
his wife Tracy; Carla DiCiaccio and her husband Ray; Karen Forsythe and her husband Tray; and Jane Remington and her husband Carl. She is survived by her sister Natalie Dam; her brother Harley Anderson and his wife Carole; her sister-in-law Irene Anderson; her sister-in-law Cathy Anderson; her sister-in-law Eleanor Beatty; her sister-in-law Joanna Stranahan; and her brother-in-law Bill McCahon. She is also survived by her ten Grandchildren: Ray and his wife Melissa; Joey and his wife Kaylyn; Brian and his fiancée Gen; Jeff and his girlfriend Olja; Rachel; Jesse; Sarah and her boyfriend Jack; Anna; Noelle and her boyfriend Riley; Gabby and her boyfriend Mike; and two Step-Grandsons: Trevor and Devon and his girlfriend Caroline; and by many more loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
Phyllis was predeceased by her sister Birdie and her brother-in-law Gus Peterson; her sister Lucille, and her brother-in-law Freddie Conway; her brother Sonny Anderson; and her brother Lloyd Anderson. She was also predeceased by her father-in-law Samuel G. Stranaghan and mother-in-law Jane Campbell Stranaghan; her sister-in-law Ruth McCahon; and her brother-in-law Warren Stranahan.
Due to Covid restrictions, all services for Phyllis will be private. A Private Visitation will be held in the Memorial Chapel of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA on Friday, January 22, 2021, followed by a Private Funeral Service at Dyer-Lake Funeral Home.
Live streaming by invitation will be available at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com .
A Private Graveside Service will immediately follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, at which time Phyllis will be laid to rest alongside her dear late husband, John.
A Memorial Service will be planned at a later date pending Covid restrictions.
As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Phyllis to Mercyships by visiting their website at www.mercyships.org
For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com
Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200