PHYLLIS CALLNAN ANDERSON

HOULTON – Phyllis Callnan Anderson died March 16, 2009, at a local health care facility. She was born June 9, 1925, in Houlton, daughter of William and Theresa (Hurley) Callnan. Phyllis attended Houlton schools and was a 1943 graduate of Houlton High School, spending her senior year juggling classes and a full-time job at Houlton Theater to pay her room and board. A year later she graduated from beautician school in Portland and began her career at a salon in Caribou. She married Robert Anderson, in July 1945, during his furlough from the Army Air Corps. Robert served as a B-52 navigator during World War II and Phyllis kept her connection with him strong, keeping the home fires burning and working at the Houlton Airbase PX. The first of their sons arrived in 1947. The boys could be a handful, but Phyllis managed to keep them in hand. They grew and flourished under Phyllis’ patience, love and guidance. She was unafraid of taking necessary risks and supported and partnered with her husband in the family business, Houlton Western Auto Franchise, which was begun and owned by her husband and brother-in-law. Phyllis officially retired alongside her husband in 1986. They spent the next four winters traveling throughout the western U.S. before becoming Florida snowbirds during the next 17 winters. Phyllis and Bob also enjoyed visiting their sons and their families in Florida, Colorado, California, Montana, Oklahoma, Alaska and Maine. Phillis is survived by her husband, Bob of Houlton; sons, James of Nevada City, Calif., John and his wife, Candy, of East Millinocket, Tom and his wife, Pam, of Houlton, Mark and his wife, Kathy, of Houlton, and Chris and his wife, Leigh, of Amherst, N.H.; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, Maurice Callnan and his wife, Mary, and Francis Callnan and his wife, Ellen; several nieces and nephews. Phyllis requested no visitation or services. She will live on in the memories, hearts and spirits of those she has touched, inspired and loved throughout her life. As an avid reader it would only be fitting that those who wish to remember her make gifts to Houlton Cary Library, care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, ME 04730.