Phyllis D. (O’Dell) Grady, 83, died peacefully on November 2, 2019, surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home in West Fairlee, Vt.

Phyllis was born on April 1, 1936, in Westchester, Penn., to Albert and Jesse O’Dell. She grew up in Newtown. Phyllis was very athletic, was a cheerleader, played softball and soccer, but was always impeccably dressed. She graduated from Newtown High School in 1954. In October of that same year, she married John “Jack” R. Grady. Together they had four children.

Phyllis was a loving mother, homemaker, and kept a beautiful home in whatever location their adventures took them. A lady of many talents, she was a wonderful cook, seamstress, and could sand a board to a smoothness any carpenter would envy. Always a loyal friend and eager to help anyone in need, she was involved in various community clubs and organizations. She enjoyed square dancing, singing, gardening, sewing, and baking. After raising her four children, she pursued careers as a graphic artist; a drug and alcohol counselor; a Methodist minister; and until her retirement in 2001, she was clerk for the Hanover Food Coop.

She was predeceased by her father, Albert O’Dell; her mother, Jesse Redmond; and her stepfather, Bernard Redmond. In addition, she was predeceased by her former husband, Jack Grady.

Phyllis is survived by her son, Thomas J. Grady, and wife, Jeanne, of McDonough, Ga.; daughter, Darlene F. Cook, and husband, Gary, of West Fairlee, Vt.; son, Michael A. Grady, and wife, Janice, of Orford, N.H.; son, John R. Grady, Jr, and wife, Kim, of Lempster, N.H. Also her grandchildren, Courtney Grogan, and husband, Mark, of Walden, N.Y.; Amy Grady of McDonough, Ga.; Nicholas I. Cook and wife, Anya, of East Thetford Vt; Jamie L. Smith (Cook) and husband, James, of Thetford Center, Vt.; Garrett A. Cook of Bradford, Vt.; and Sean Grady of Orford, N.H., survive her. Her great grandchildren, Connor, Matthew, Caitlyn, and Mark Grogan of Walden, N.Y.; Elizabeth K. and William M. Smith of Thetford Center, Vt.; and Finn J. Cook of East Thetford, Vt., survive her. She is also survived by a brother, Clifford A. O’Dell, and wife, Sarah (Sally), of Southbury, Conn., along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Major thanks for all the loving care Phyllis received in the Memory Care Units in the two Upper Valley Nursing Homes she resided in for the past eight years. Additionally the support and care she received from Bayada Hospice was exceptional over more recent years.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Bayada Hospice, PO Box 1590, Norwich VT 05055.

A private graveside service will be held in Newtown, Conn., at a later date.

To view an online memorial or send a message of condolence to the family, please visit rand-wilson.com.