Phyllis (Farrell) Hughes

Phyllis A. (Farrell) Hughes, of Millbury,  passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 5, 2016 in her sleep.  She was 85 years of age. Phyllis was born in Worcester, on June 24, 1931, a daughter of the late William “Duke” and Cecile (Vilandre) Farrell.  She was a graduate of Commerce High, Class of 1949.  Phyllis  joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War serving her country proudly .  Upon her discharge from the service as a Staff Sergeant,  Phyllis then worked as a lab technician in the pharmaceutical industry for  Mason Research and Astra Pharmaceutical companies.  Having grown up on Lake Quinsigamond, she was an avid swimmer. Phyllis was also a lifeguard and water safety instructor for many years at the Worcester YWCA, before retiring in 1993.  She then continued to swim every day for several years.  She was also an avid football fan. Phyllis is survived by four nephews, William E. Shea and his wife, Donna, of Hubbardston, Gerald P. Shea and his wife, Lorna,  of Auburn, Timothy J. Shea of Worcester, Christopher R. Shea and his wife, Barbara, of Bennington VT as well as many  grand and great grandnieces and nephews.   Phyllis joins in heaven, her sister, Eleanor E. Shea,  who passed away in 1999, as well as her brother-in-law, Raymond E. Shea, who passed away in 2013.  She was a member of the former St. Margaret Mary Church in Worcester, a charter member of the Women in Military Service of America Association, the Dudley-Gendron American Legion Post 414 in Millbury and the Chapter 4, Disabled American Veterans Post in Worcester.   Friends and relatives are invited to attend a period of calling hours on Wednesday, November 9,  from 10:00 am to 11:00 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester,   followed by a short service and U.S. Air Force honors.   At her request,  cremation will follow and burial will be in Rural Cemetery on her next birthday, June 24, 2017.   In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in her name can be made to Veterans Inc. Outreach Center, 69 Grove Street, Worcester 01608.