Phyllis Gray E. Marion Orkney

Waterford — Phyllis A. Gray, 83, of Waterford, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, at Bayview.

She was born on Oct. 17, 1934, in Franklin, the daughter of Theodore and Justine (Chapel) Michon. Phyllis proudly worked for General Electric as an executive secretary for 25 years. She was also a volunteer at the Garde Arts Theatre in New London and was a deacon at the Crossroad Presbyterian Church in Waterford.

Phyllis was a devoted wife and mother and had a love for traveling. She had traveled to parts of Alaska, Mexico and the Caribbean.

She is survived by her son, Donald Tyler and his wife, Brenda, of Clinton; her daughter, Mary Bauchmann and her husband, Peter, of Old Lyme; her grandchildren, Emily Tyler of Clinton and Maxwell and Kate Bauchmann of Old Lyme; and her sister, Betty Blais of Waterford.

She was predeceased by her first husband, James I. Tyler, who passed away in 1975; her brothers, Theodore Michon Jr. and Frank Michon; and her sister, Eleanor Gernhardt.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, at Byles Memorial Home, 99 Huntington St., New London. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, at Crossroad Presbyterian Church, Crossroad, Waterford. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5, 2018, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Please visit www.byles.com for directions or to sign the guest book.

Groton — E. Marion “Mimi” Merritt Orkney, 96, of Groton, passed away on Sunday morning, Dec. 24, 2017, at her residence.

Mimi was born in Groton, on Sept. 10, 1921, on the Merritt family farm at the top of Fort Hill, the daughter of Francis L. and Althea (Montgomery) Merritt.

Mimi attended the Noank School and graduated from Robert E. Fitch High School in the Class of 1940. She had worked for Electric Boat Company and at the Submarine Base in Groton. In July of 1944, Mimi won a beauty contest sponsored by the workers at Electric Boat Company and was named Miss Periscope; her picture was sent to every submarine in the fleet.

Throughout her life, Mimi was very active in Groton Town and City politics and served on many boards and commissions. She was an active member of the Groton Congregational Church and the Shennecossett Yacht Club. She was the widow of James Orkney Jr., who passed away Oct. 3, 1983.

Mimi is survived by three sons, Glenn M. Orkney of Groton, Gary M. Orkney of Stonington and Neil M. Orkney of Treasure Island, Fla.; a daughter, Hope (Orkney) Walencewicz of Groton; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Groton Congregational Church, 162 Monument St., Groton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be directed to the Groton Congregational Church.

Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.