Obituary of Phyllis Yard

Phyllis Jane (Wolcott) Yard, age 88, of Towanda, PA, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2014, at her daughter's residence in Vineland, NJ. Born in Sayre, PA on August 12, 1925, she was the daughter of Harold Clifton and Josephine (Kepner) Wolcott. She was the devoted wife of Arthur F. Yard, to whom she would have been married 71 years on May 1st. Phyllis was preceded in death by her children Keith Arthur Yard, husband of Jean of Troy, PA, and Theresa Yard Alexakis, wife of Michael of Roxboro, NC. She is survived by her children Brian Yard of Cherry Hill, PA, Susan Yard-Chater, wife of Bronislav, of Vineland, NJ, Amanda Gallello, wife of Anthony, of Lancaster, PA, and Kathleen Goldstein, wife of Joel, of Egg Harbor, NJ. Phyllis, "Grammy Yard," is also lovingly remembered by six grandchildren: Michael Alexakis, husband of Christine, of Durham, NC, Nicholas Alexakis, husband of Adriane, of Roxboro, NC, Paul Gallello, husband of Abigail, of Lancaster, PA, Kathleen (Gallello) Valentin, wife of Zachary, of Lancaster, PA, Angela Gallello, fiancé of Kyle McKillips, of Lancaster, PA, and Keith Goldstein of Egg Harbor, NJ. In addition, she has four young great grandchildren - Athena and Nicholas Alexakis and Anthony and Frankie Gallello. Enjoying many years as a resident of Towanda, PA, Phyllis was a constant supportive presence in her children's lives. A frequent school room mother, she also volunteered as a Cub Scout den mother and a Girl Scout troop leader. A member of the United Methodist Church, Phyllis worked for several years as a store clerk and seamstress at Evans & Chaffee's in Towanda. Her many interests included traveling extensively across the United States with her husband Arthur, collecting antique dolls, flower gardening, genealogy, crafts, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. An expert seamstress, Phyllis enjoyed a challenge and created beautiful clothing, quilts, dolls, and household items for her children and grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the many family members and friends who have extended prayers and well wishes during Phyllis' extended illness.