Phyllis Dorothy (Goodrich) Wiles, 89, of 320 Onota Street, Pittsfield, MA died on February 28, 2017 at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield.
Born in Oxford, Iowa, on March 29th, 1928, she was the second daughter of Daniel J. and Grace Talcot (Danforth) Goodrich. She moved to Williamstown while very young and was educated in Williamstown schools.
Phyllis was a remarkable person. At a time when most women remained at home, she raised six children while working full time as an accountant at Williams College, advancing to the positions of Assistant Treasurer and Comptroller, with only a high school diploma. Her children remember her as a mom who always worked very hard and held high ethical standards. Indeed, her children remember her typing late into the evenings, transcribing student’s papers for three cents a word to supplement the family income.
As a quiet but competent young woman, Phyllis attended a Dale Carnegie Course to gain self confidence, which advanced her career and resulted in her volunteering for several causes. She was a founding member of the Turner House Living Center for Veterans, where she served on for 18 years on the Board of Directors. She also served as treasurer of the Williams College Federal Credit Union for 30 years, was chairman of the music committee at the Second Congregational Church in South Williamstown, and a lifelong member and treasurer of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary.
Her husband, Frank E. Wiles, Sr., died in 1985. She leaves three daughters: Elizabeth Garcia and her husband Jorge of Pittsfield, Nancy Griffin and her husband Timothy of Pownal, VT, and Diane Miller and her husband Norbert of North Adams. She also leaves three sons: Frank, Jr. of Pittsfield, Alan and his wife Laurie of Cheshire, and David and his significant other Billie-Jo of North Bennington. In addition, Phyllis leaves a host of grand children and great grand children.
Phyllis was a generous, caring and unfailingly kind woman, beloved to all of us who knew her.
Funeral Services to celebrate the Life of Phyllis Wiles will take place Saturday March 4, 2017 at 10 am at St. John's Episcopal Church, 35 Park St. Williamstown. Burial will follow in Eastlawn Cemetery with a reception immediately following at the Water Street Grill. Calling Hours at the Flynn & Dagnoli- Montagna Home for Funerals, WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St. North Adams are Friday March 3, 2017 from 4-6 pm. Memorial donations are suggested for the Williamstown American Legion Women's Auxiliary through the funeral home. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.