Phyllis B. (Tolman) Maxwell

Phyllis Blanche (Tolman) Maxwell, age 96, of Westford passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at the Keystone Center in Leominster. She was the loving wife of the late Ralph E. Maxwell.

Born in Gilbertville on May 9, 1921 Phyllis was the daughter of the late Arthur K. and Blanche (Meuse) Tolman. Raised and educated in Gilbertville and Holyoke, she graduated from Hardwick High School in 1939. After high school, Phyllis wanted to work with children and started a private Kindergarten in Gilbertville. One year later her father was appointed as road Superintendent and needed her to work full time at the family service station. Soon after taking the position, in 1940, she met her future husband Ralph in the neighboring town of Ware. The two were married on September 18, 1942 and remained lifelong partners until his passing on March 23, 2015.

Phyllis cherished her time spent with her husband, children and grandchildren. As a child, she loved camping, spending time with her grandparents and trips to York and Moody beach. Phyllis was also skilled at needlepoint and weaving. She will be remembered for her kind spirit and life-long dedication to her family.

She is survived by her children Cliff Maxwell of Groton, Deborah and Merritt Stone of Leominster and Candy and Bill Verhulst of Pepperell. She is also survived by her five grandchildren Daniel, Jason, Jessica, Melissa and Vanessa.

At the request of the family all services will be private.

Donations in her memory may be made to:
Alzheimer's Assoc., Massachusetts/New Hampshire
309 Waverly Oaks Road
Waltham, MA 02452
www.alz.org