OLD TOWN – Phyllis B. MacMillan, 91, died Feb. 21, 2012, while being cared for at Dirigo Pines, Orono. She was born Dec. 10, 1920, in the Great Works section of Old Town, daughter of Edward and Delcina (Currier) Buchanan.
She was one of 10 children whose father, “Brick,” was head piper at the local pulp mill – Penobscot Chemical Fiber Co., adjacent to their home. After graduating from Old Town High School in 1938, she worked at the University of Maine bookstore. After her marriage to Granville “Mac” MacMillan, in 1942, she became a full-time housewife and mother. During Mac’s two tours of duty with the Air Force in World War II and the Korean War, she lived throughout the country – New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Illinois and Washington state – settling in Old Town in 1954. After her three sons were grown, she became employed at Old Town Library. Phyllis was very active in the Emblem Club at Old Town Elks. She made several trips to various cities while Mac was the local and state exalted ruler. As an avid golfer, Phyllis was a member of Penobscot Valley Country Club. She enjoyed playing with her friends in Women’s Day tournaments throughout the state. She enjoyed skiing, both downhill and cross-country, and playing bridge in many groups. Phyllis enjoyed the social aspects of life to the fullest. She was a true sports fan – watching the Patriots, Red Sox and never missing a Celtics game. Rondo was her favorite player.
Phyllis is survived and will be sadly missed by her three sons, Stanley and wife, Marie, of Hampden, Stephen and wife, Colleen, of Orrington and Thomas of Yarmouth; three grandchildren, Sean and wife, Ginny MacMillan, of Bangor, Matthew and Rebecca MacMillan of Yarmouth; two great-grandchildren, Collin and Ellie MacMillan of Bangor; and sisters, Mary Houlihan of Raleigh, N.C., and Avis McCulloch of Barrington, R.I. She is also survived by a special nephew, Tom Buchanan and wife, Mary Lou, of Bradley; a special sister-in-law, Angie Buchanan and her daughter, Karla, of Georgetown, Mass.; many nieces and nephews; and special friend, Opal Vallance. Phyllis was predeceased by her parents; husband of 66 years, Granville MacMillan; six brothers, Edward, Irving, Willard, Richard, Robert and Paul Buchanan; sister, Esther Rafferty; niece, Josephine Williams; and granddaughter, Heather MacMillan. Her family thanks the staff at Dirigo Pines for their wonderful care and compassion. Their care for the elderly is beyond comparison. They also wish to thank the caregivers at New England Home Health Care and St. Joseph Hospice who worked together to make her last days peaceful.
Friends may call 4:30-6 p.m. Friday at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday at Parish of the Resurrection, Holy Family Church, Old Town.
Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Phyllis’ memory to Old Town Public Library, 46 Middle St., Old Town, ME 04468.