Published in the August 3, 2018 edition
EFFINGHAM, N.H. — Phyllis G. (Martin) Henderson, 79, of Effingham, N.H. and formerly of Melrose, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at the Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover, N.H. on Friday, July 27, 2018.
Phyllis was born in East Boston on September 17, 1938, the daughter of the late Walter S. and Dorothy (Jones) Martin. She was raised in Melrose where she graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1956. She grew up with a love for spending summers with her father in upstate New York at her Uncle Eddie’s cottage.
Phyllis met her future husband Dorsey Henderson, who was visiting from West Virginia, at a coffee shop in Melrose. It was love at first sight for Dorsey and he returned day after day to that same coffee shop in hopes of seeing Phyllis again. She returned, and they were married on August 24, 1957 at the First United Methodist Church in Melrose. They started a family together and raised six children in Melrose.
Phyllis had a soft spot for all animals and especially cherished her beloved dogs. Fun loving and with a sharp sense of humor, Phyllis enjoyed social events and dancing as a member of the United Commercial Travelers Club. For many years, she and Dorsey enjoyed parties in “Dorsey’s Whoopie Room” featuring Phyllis on the piano. She also loved traveling with her best friend Edie, enjoying a European tour and a trip to Hawaii.
In her free time, Phyllis loved to shop, and was an avid reader with a large collection of books. Blessed with musical talent, Phyllis loved to play the piano and served as the organist at the First United Methodist Church where she also taught Sunday School.
A true matriarch, Phyllis was a devoted wife, caring mother, and doting grandmother. With an open heart, she provided unconditional love and support to her entire family and circle of friends. Phyllis welcomed everyone into her home with many friends universally referring to her as “Mom Henderson.” She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts and minds of her family.
Phyllis was the beloved wife of the late Dorsey L. Henderson with whom she shared 40 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Diana L. Tonnessen and her husband David of Plaistow, N.H., Walter E. Henderson and his wife Joan of Port Charlotte, Fla., Dorothy J. Jenkins and her husband Brett of Effingham, N.H., Lois A. Connor of Ossipee, N.H., Karen M. Henderson of Melrose, and the late Jo-Ann Bishop. Cherished grandmother of Laurel Neubauer and her husband Damian, Nicole Ouimet and her husband Daved, Paul Tonnessen and his wife Danielle, Samantha Tonnessen, Shannon Walsh, Jill Cavalear, Kimberly Flores, Kimberlee Flaherty and her husband Brendan, Kristin Steward, Zachary Jenkins, DJ Connor, and the late Scott Shepherd. Loving great-grandmother of Angelique, Colby, Braiden, Nolan, Hazel, Matthew, Brady, Brittney, Hayley, Francesca, Matteo, Scott Jr., Juliette, and Hannah.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Phyllis during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, July 31, and again on Wednesday for her funeral service. Interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Gifts in her memory may be made to MSPCA, 350 Huntington Ave., Boston MA 02130. For online tribute or directions: RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
