Phyllis S. Gervais Obituary (1921 - 2016)

AUGUSTA—Phyllis S. Gervais, 95, of Augusta, passed away in the early morning of April 14, 2016, at Maine General Medical Center. Her family was with her as she left her “earth suit” to be reunited with her husband and loved ones in Heaven. Phyllis was born in Oakfield, Maine, to Ralph Sullivan and Grace (Nelson) Sullivan on March 14, 1921. She graduated from Oakfield Community High School in 1940. In 1943 she came to Augusta to work for the Maine State Police, where she remained for over 30 years. While in Augusta, she met and married her future husband, Adrien Gervais, in 1946. Her sister, Pearle, also met and married Adrien’s brother, forming a strong family bond for life. Family was her passion, as she always watched over the needs and status of them all. Whenever help was needed, she and her husband were there, including babysitting and caring for the grandchildren as if they were their own. She always provided a listening ear to their reports of activities at school or the workplace, offering loving and understanding support. All who knew her saw that she was very strong, intelligent, giving, independent, and fiercely loyal. Phyllis is survived by her son, Paul, and his wife Nancy (Longfellow) Gervais, and their children, Benjamin Gervais, Kelly (Gervais) Weston (Jeff), Jeremy Gervais, and Caleb Gervais. An infant granddaughter, Karen, predeceased her, as well. Great-grandchildren are Tavhin and Acadia Gauthier. Sisters, brother, and their families include: Arlene Dwyer (Freddy) and Jeannette Crandall (Alston), both deceased; Ralph Dwyer (Glenda); Pearle Gervais and her husband, Larry, who is deceased, their children Michael Gervais (Carrie), Mary Ann Gilbert (Bob); Marjorie Swallow and husband, Joe, who is deceased, and their son Rodney (Norma); Betty McDougal and husband Darrell, and their children Cindy McNeal (John), James McDougal (Carol), Ann Akeley (Dale), Andrea Hutchinson (Steve), Elaine, and Rohida; Lewis Sullivan (Joan) and their children Lisa Bean and Alan Sullivan. Many dear nieces, nephews, in-laws, and other relatives who were loved dearly by Phyllis are not mentioned here, but are held in our hearts. Services will be held at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church Street, Augusta, this Friday, April 22. Visiting hours are from 9:00-11:00 am, followed by the funeral at 11:00. Immediately following, a procession will travel to Gracelawn Memorial Park in Auburn for committal. The Family wants to give special thanks to Dr. Peter Guzetti, who provided excellent care for Phyllis. We also want to thank Rob Overton, of Thistledown Apartments of Augusta, for his kindness to her during her years there. Memories, condolences, photos, and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com