Phyllis Greene Settele

A LIFE WELL LIVED

Phyllis G. Settele, 92, formerly of Cheshire, CT and Murrell's Inlet, SC, passed away peacefully at home after a long illness. Born on April 15, 1933 in Mineola, NY, she was the daughter of the late Eugene E. Greene and Gladys E. Dibble. She was preceded in death by a daughter Susan Anne and her husband, John E. Settele.

Phyllis grew up on Long Island, NY. She met her future husband John in junior high school and throughout the years they were members of the same clubs. Both Phyllis and John played in the band and their love of music continued throughout their lives. When they graduated from East Rockaway High School in 1951, Phyllis was the Valedictorian. Phyllis graduated from Cornell University in 1955 and received her Masters in Education from Plymouth State University in 1989. A lifelong teacher, she was passionate about teaching young children and second grade was her calling. She designed an innovative classroom project that combined research, written and visual reports as well as the creation of a poem while teaching at Highland Elementary School. For this, she was awarded a “Celebration of Excellence” award for the state of Connecticut in 1990. She retired from the Cheshire school system after teaching from 1973 - 1992.

Upon retirement, Phyllis and her husband John enjoyed traveling with Elderhostel to many points around the globe. They explored the rugged beauty of Alaska, the tropical and lush Hawaiian Islands, and followed in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. With good friends they cruised almost every river in Europe enjoying the castles, local landmarks and wonderful food along the way. They even ventured to the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador.

Relocating to Wachesaw Plantation, SC in 1995, she enjoyed walking on the beach, playing bridge and entertaining friends. Closer to home, Phyllis and John become tireless volunteers believing that they had been lucky enough to live a good life and it was time to give something back. They attended the Double H Camp, founded by Paul Newman, in the Adirondack Mountains of New York as counselors for children with life-threatening illnesses. Phyllis volunteered as a docent at the Kaminsky house while John was a boat guide at Brookgreen Gardens. They rallied around one of their favorite birds, the common loon, when an oil spill threatened their lives and spent countless hours washing, rinsing and cleaning the birds. Phyllis was also a volunteer with the Stephen Ministry at Belin UMC as well as a strong voice in the choir.

Phyllis was a longtime summer resident of Meredith, New Hampshire, where with her husband she hosted many gatherings of family, friends and extended family. She loved Lake Winnipesaukee, especially the loons. She was known for her many tag sale/yard sale/antique finds which she used to attractively decorate her home. Phyllis truly cared about everyone who came to visit there.

Survivors include two daughters, Sharon Jacobs and her husband Wayne, Amy Kelly and her husband Gerard, and one son Brian Settele and his wife Susan; eight grandchildren, Emily, Margaret and Austin Jacobs, Erica, Peter and Sarah Kelly, and Jacqueline and Ryan Settele. Other survivors include her sister-in-law Caroline DeSoye and her husband Paul as well as two nieces, one nephew and their families.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Burial will be at a later date on Long Island, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Alzheimer's Association   225 N. Michigan Ave   Floor 17   Chicago, IL 60601

People's Hospice Foundation   213 E. Wright Street   Pensacola, FL 32501