SOUTH PARIS – Phyllis T. Thurston passed away peacefully at the Maine Veterans Home on the morning of Oct. 7, 2023 at the age of 89. She was born Oct, 20, 1933 in Canton, Maine to Ralph E. and Mabel Haynes Thomas.

Phyllis graduated from Norway High School in 1951 and subsequently married Vaughn Thurston (now deceased) of Norway in a ceremony in England where Vaughn was stationed in the U.S. Air Force. They were stationed at many bases during their 20 year military career lovingly raising two children, Debra (Martin Koczon) and Thomas. Following retirement from the Air Force they settled in South Paris where, in addition to the challenges of motherhood, Phyllis worked at Norway National Bank/Key Bank as a branch manager and as administrative manager at Engineering Industries.

Phyllis’s greatest joy was family. She loved family picnics, holiday parties, get-togethers as well as watching and playing family-themed games. She especially enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren who lovingly called her “Bip”. She showed her infinite pride in her loved ones by bragging about their accomplishments to anyone who was willing to listen. Her love also extended to her four-legged family, loving and spoiling several dogs over her lifetime who in turn were as loving and devoted to her.

She was an avid quilter, making over 50 quilts for her family. She also crocheted numerous blankets, hats and mittens for donations to nursing homes and charity organizations. She also was known for her love of jigsaw puzzles and having one of the largest collections of puzzles around. A testament to her love of puzzling, she had a standing weekly meetup with her good friend Linda Linindoll to work on puzzles but always welcomed anyone in to piece together a puzzle over a cup of coffee and a sweet treat. She had a serious sweet tooth and never met a confection she didn’t fall in love with.

Phyllis enjoyed morning coffee time with her many friends at Rustfield Village as well as the excitement of their weekly friendly Bingo game. She continued to show her affection for the game by rarely missing Bingo after becoming a resident of the Veterans Home in South Paris.

She loved traveling and saw much of the United States including Hawaii and Guam. She also enjoyed camping, where she frequented several spots in Maine and also traveled with fellow campers several times to Disney World.

She is survived by her daughter Debra Koczon and husband Donald of South Paris, Maine, Thomas Thurston and wife Shawnna Van Pelt of Alpharetta, Ga.; granddaughters Jodelle Martin Heath and husband Toby of Goffstown, N.H., Jaclyn Martin Tourtelotte and husband Eric of Garland, Maine, Candice Thurston of South Paris, Maine and Kristina Thurston of Norway, Maine; great-granddaughters Finley Heath and Reagan Heath; sisters Rachel Trundy and husband Walter of Hebron, Maine, Pamela Rector and husband Curtis of South Paris, Maine; nieces and nephews James Thomas, Jeffrey Thomas, Wendy Kane Bernier, Joel Kane, and Lisa Kane Stevens. She also had several cousins and aunts and uncles.

She was predeceased by her parents Ralph and Mabel Thomas; her brothers Ralph Thomas, Jr. and his wife Barbara, and Arnold Thomas; niece Penny Thomas and nephews Timothy Rector and Scott Rector.

Per Phyllis’s wishes there will be no services.

Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with her family at http://www.chandlerfunerals.com.

In lieu of flowers and other remembrances, her family asks that contributions

be made to:

the Activity Fund

Veterans Home

477 High Street

South Paris, ME 04281 or:

Responsible Pet Care

PO Box 82

Norway, ME 04268 or:

Christmas for Kids

PO Box 726

Norway, ME 04268



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