1927 – 2013

AUBURN — Phyllis Mildred (Kelley) Neal, of Vienna, peacefully passed away at the Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice on Wednesday, Feb. 13. She was lovingly surrounded by her family during her stay there.

Phyllis was born on March 27, 1927, at her parents’ home in Vienna, and was the third of five children born to Harold and Pearl (Whittier) Kelley. She was raised and educated in Vienna and later in Farmington.

After working at the canning factory in Farmington and at Maine Dowel for some time, she married Ray A. Neal of Mt. Vernon, on May 15, 1947. They lived in Mt. Vernon until moving to Vienna, where they made their home and raised eight children. Phyllis was a devoted stay-at-home mother and lovingly cared for her children and many others.

In 1990, Mahlon Moore of Chesterville came into her life, and she spent many years with him as her companion. She was an active member of the North Vienna United Methodist Church, a 60-plus year member of the Vienna Mill Stream Grange and also a member of the Vienna Historical Society.

A few of her many interests included knitting dishcloths, which she took great joy in giving as gifts to family and friends. She enjoyed puzzles, feeding and watching the birds, and was an awesome cook. She liked helping others in any way she could. Phyllis loved spending time with friends and family.

She is survived by her friend, Mahlon Moore, currently residing at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta; a sister, Doris Wight and husband, Bob, of Livermore Falls; daughters, Linda Bragdon, Shelley Trask and husband, Darrell, and Kathy Meader and husband, James; sons, Clyde Neal and wife, Laura, Randy Neal and wife, Lori, Lonnie Neal and wife, LeeAnn, and Colin Neal, all of Vienna. She was blessed with 15 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She also touched the lives of countless cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Phyllis was predeceased by brothers, Harold “Edwin” Kelley, Clayton Wesley Kelley, Raymond Cecil Kelley; two daughters, Beverly “Sue” Robbins and Lori Ellen Neal; also a grandson, Aaron Coe Neal.

“There is love that will live forever and there are memories that will shine through the sorrow.”

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