TENANTS HARBOR – Phyllis M. Falla, 97, died peacefully Jan. 7, 2016, following a period of declining health, at Knox Center for Long Term Care in Rockland.

Born in Waltham, Mass., on June 26, 1918, she was the daughter of Elmer and Elizabeth Buckle Johnson. Growing up in Massachusetts, she attended school there and graduated from Waltham High School. Following high school, Phyllis attended Perry Normal School, earning her certification as a teacher. For 10 years she taught kindergarten at the Arlington School in Massachusetts. While teaching she furthered her education, enrolling in the bachelors program at Boston University.

As a young woman, Phyllis spent many summers in Maine with her family. During one particular summer she met Richard H. Falla, a local Tenants Harbor boy. The two fell in love and were married July 2, 1949, in Richards's home town. Tenants Harbor quickly became home for Phyllis as well. Together she and Richard raised their family of three boys, with Phyllis ever diligent to all their needs.

As her children grew and began to leave the nest, Phyllis returned to the work force. In 1967 she took on the role of kindergarten teacher at Gilford Butler School. For another 10 years she was active and involved in the lives of her students. Even after they left her class and grew to have families of their own, she kept up to date with many of them over the years.

An accomplished crafter, Phyllis was best known for her braided rugs. For many years she gave them away as gifts to friends and family, and even to her sons' teachers each Christmas. In the early days of her hobby she used scraps from clothing. Later, she and her husband enjoyed traveling all over New England gathering wool from the woolen mills. Her sons remember helping her tear the wool into long strips that she had pre-cut, making them easy to tear. As the years passed she involved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, allowing them to assist with the same task.

Phyllis was a member of the Rebekah Lodge in Tenants Harbor, serving as secretary. She was also involved in the writing of that organization's 100 year history.

Together with her husband, they enjoyed following the Maine Harness Racing circuit, attending as many local fairs as they could throughout the state. They also enjoyed camping in their camper at Lilly Bay, a trip to Newfoundland with their son and a trip through the Canadian Rockies.

Family was her number one priority. She loved nothing more than to have them all gathered around her. One of their favorite traditions was the annual Memorial Day parade in Tenants Harbor. Each year the family would gather in the morning sun on the front lawn to watch the parade with coffee and donuts provided for everyone.

She was a stoic, steadfast woman who counted herself rich beyond measure with the love of her family. Her passing leaves a big hole in the hearts of all who loved her.

Predeceased by her husband, Richard in 1999; her sisters, Dana Foley and Marion Strauss; and her brother, Robert W. Johnson. Phyllis is survived by her sons, David Falla and his wife, Brenda, Jeffrey Falla and his wife, Leatrice, and John Falla and his wife, Lorraine, all of Tenants Harbor; a brother, Stanley Johnson of Worcester, Mass.; six grandchildren and their spouses, Michael and Karen Falla of Palermo, Tammy and Raymie Upham of Tenants Harbor, Matthew and Christina Falla of South Thomaston, Benjamin and Meaghan Falla of Clark Island, Daniel and Kristin Falla, Rebekah and Jerrod Milton, all of Tenants Harbor; as well as 11 great-grandchildren, Jamie, Samuel, Cameron, Nicholas, Zachary, Asa, Ivan, Erik, John, Dexter and Gwen.

The Falla family would like to thank the staff at the Knox Center for their care and compassion while Phyllis was a resident there.

A celebration of Phyllis’ life will be held Friday, Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A reception will follow immediately at 104 Limerock, the funeral home's reception facility. Private interment will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. George Volunteer Firemen's Association, P.O. Box 249, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860.