Phyllis Johnson ... helped form Dover Friends of the Library

DOVER - Phyllis Johnson, widow of Ralph Johnson, died at home on Sept. 15, 2021, surrounded by family. Just weeks from her 97th birthday, she was still living at home until a short and sudden downturn in health.

Phyllis was born in Webster, Mass, to Mae and Stanley Santor. She received a library science degree from Simmons College in 1946, and worked as a children's librarian in Ohio, Worcester, and Boston. Her career took her to Buenos Aires, where she was employed by the U.S. Information Service (State Dept.) as head of the children's library there. In 1953, Phyllis returned home to marry Ralph, whom she'd met when both were active members of the Green Mountain Club.

After initially living and working in Illinois, Phyllis and Ralph grew homesick for New England, and eventually settled in Dover. She was very involved in the community, often in partnership with a vibrant group of women friends. With them, in addition to other endeavors, she helped form the Dover Friends of the Library and energetically supported efforts of the Cooperative Ministries, an interfaith group whose outreach included supporting the Dover food pantry and soup kitchen. With Ralph, Phyllis served on the Conservation Commission. She was also a Sunday School teacher and lector at St. Mary's Parish in Dover.

Phyllis and Ralph had eight children: Mark (Norma Jo Sorgman), Sam (Karen Vellekamp), Felicia (Tom Jude Boucher), Andy (Pati Sato), Victoria (Todd Hagenburg), Simon (Kathy McDonnell), Miriam (Tom Hagner), and Rachel. Phyllis is also survived by seven grandchildren: Stu (Val LaRiviere) & Celia Grace Johnson, Sol Boucher, Ali & Max Hagenburg, and Tad & Caleb Hagner. She was looking forward to becoming a great grandmother for the first time, in early 2022. Phyllis was predeceased by both her siblings & in-laws: Rita Doyer (Joseph) and Stanley Santor (Nathalie). She was also predeceased by Ralph, his three brothers, and their spouses.