SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Phyllis Kenerson Kathan, 95, died peacefully in Springfield, Vt., on Aug. 26, 2023. Born on June 2, 1928, in Lynn, Mass., Phyllis was the daughter of the late Myron and Nellie (Stockwell) Kenerson, and sister of the late Muriel Kenerson Cassidy.
Phyllis married the late Robert E. Kathan in 1947, and they had four children. After 22 years of marriage, they divorced, and Phyllis rose to the challenge of being a single mom.
Phyllis was a staunch Vermonter who spoke of the complexities of winter and the beauty of nature. She loved living in the country, and lived on South Hill in Ludlow for over 30 years. After a fall, she moved to an apartment at Christopher Heights Assisted Living Community in Belchertown, Mass. Three years later, when she needed nursing care, she returned to Ludlow to live at Gill Odd Fellows Home.
Phyllis loved spending time with family and friends, as well as her rescue dogs. She enjoyed nature, country music, playing the piano, reading, and doing crafts. She also enjoyed going to soccer and hockey games, as well as school events and dance recitals. Phyllis loved to travel with family and long-time friend Albert Surrette of Westerville, Ohio, enjoying such places as Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Nova Scotia, Maine, Cape Cod, and the Adirondacks.
Phyllis was a member of the United Church of Ludlow, and also attended Hope United Methodist Church in Belchertown, Mass. She was a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Mizpah Chapter #40, as well as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 36.
Phyllis worked for the State of Vermont as a secretary at the Department of Social Services and the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in Springfield, Vt. Upon retirement, she dedicated her time to enjoying her grandchildren.
Phyllis is the loving mother of the late Robert (Buster) Kathan of Ludlow, Vt., Gregory Kathan and his wife Christine of St. Petersburg, Fla., Michelle Stinson and her husband Scott of Ludlow, Vt., and Cindy Murray and her husband Doug of Belchertown, Mass. She is the loving grandmother of Shannon Kathan, Tyler Kathan, Carson Kathan, Morgan Kathan, Marissa Stinson, Dylan Stinson, the late Erin Stinson, and Brielle Murray; and great-grandmother of Cameron Bamforth.
Phyllis was a strong, kind, and loving woman, who will be deeply missed.
Services for Phyllis Kathan will be held at Davis Memorial Chapel, 99 Summer Street, Springfield, Vt. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours on Thursday, Sept. 21, from 5-7 p.m., and funeral service on Friday, Sept. 22, at 1 p.m. Committal service will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery on High Street in Ludlow, and a gathering at the American Legion Post 36, Main Street, Ludlow.
In lieu of flowers, gifts of remembrance can be made to the Black River Senior Center Meals on Wheels program, or to the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 36.