Carolyn L. (Durkee) Phillips

Mrs. Carolyn L. Durkee Phillips, age 87 of Pittsfield and Sebastian, Fl., passed away in her sleep on February 3, 2021 at her home in Florida. She was born in Pittsfield on Dec. 26, 1933, the daughter of the late Harold L. and Marion I. Sweener Durkee. She was educated in Pittsfield Schools, graduating from Pittsfield High School in 1951. She began her career as an operator for the Phone Company prior to going to work as an assembler at the former Greylock Plastics. She was employed at the former Zayre's Dept. Store on Dalton Ave. until its closing. Carolyn was then employed at the former Berkshire Life Insurance Co., retiring in 1995.

An avid reader, and wonderful story teller, she was a great cook and terrific baker. An artist, she enjoyed painting murals in her home, drawing and painting birds and especially loved painting Christmas bulbs for her children and grandchildren.

She enjoyed the penny slots in Florida and braiding garlic for the farmer's markets.

Over the years, Carolyn hosted many a picnic and truly enjoyed being the center gathering point for her extensive family. She loved having fun and lit up the room with her great smile. Most of all, it was always, always about her family as spending quality time with them was her greatest joy!

She was married to her husband of nearly 49 years, George F. Phillips, who died in 2002.

She is survived by her 3 sons, Kevin L. Phillips (Cindy), of Palm Bay, Fl. Her twin sons, Keith E. Phillips (Elaine) of Pittsfield, and Kim R. Phillips (Lorene) of Sebastian, FL., her 2 daughters, Kelly S. Moretti (Wayne) of Pittsfield and Kammi L. Phillips of Ravena, N.Y., and her sisters, Lynn Stedman, Ardith Shadic, and Karen Anderson, 2 granddaughters, 7 grandsons and 4 great grandchildren and she was delighted knowing that she was having 2 more great-grandchildren coming. Carolyn is survived by her longtime companion; her best friend and brother-in-law, with whom she made her home for the past 18 years, Hector D. Phillips of Sebastian, Fl.. Carolyn was predeceased by her siblings, Janice Twarog, Lane Durkee, Judith DeCarlo, Kenton Durkee and Laraine Taylor. Another brother, Norman Durkee, died this past Thursday Feb. 4th.

In keeping with Carolyn's annual tradition, that of hosting the Fourth of July Family and Friends Picnic, it is fitting that the Celebration of her Life will be held this July 4, 2021 at the family home.

A private gathering will take place this Friday, with burial to follow in the Pittsfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends desire, memorial donations may be made to Pittsfield Firefighter's Assoc.