C. Phyllis Martin

Mystic — “May I have this dance?” C. Phyllis Martin, 94, of Mystic passed at home peacefully following a brief illness Thursday, March 21, 2024. She joined her beloved husband, Adrian “Dan” Martin, who was waiting with hand outstretched for her on the dance floor. They so loved to dance and she missed him so very much. They are now united again, twirling across the floor, smiling broadly.

Born and raised in New London, she was a member of The Williams Memorial Institute, Class of 1947. After graduation, she worked at Metropolitan Life Insurance where she made lifelong friendships with her “Met Crew.” She married the love of her life in 1952, and they spent their first year as newlyweds in Germany, where he was stationed with the U.S. Army. They returned to New London, and moved across the river to Mystic in 1961.

Phyllis worked as a secretary for engineers at Electric Boat until 1962 and later worked 52 years for St. Mary Church in Groton, first as the church secretary and then, scaling back to the bookkeeper duties — moving from paper to computer over the years. She ended her tenure there at the age of 91. She had a lovely smile and was a beautiful person, inside and out, who was kind to others and gave of herself without looking for anything in return, often helping those who had no one to help them. That kindness was returned to her when she needed assistance during her illness.

Left to cherish her memory in their hearts forever are her “curly haired girl” Karen; and her beloved fur baby PC (Phyllis’s Cat); also the many friends and family who encountered her along the way including her nieces, Jennifer and Christine, who were constant presences in her life, especially so in the years after her husband passed.

Services were private. Her daughter would like to thank the wonderful friends and caregivers who helped her during her final journey: Sandy, her pal and angel, Tricia, Donna, Nora, Rachel, Sanora and Sharon, all angels for whom we are forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or; the Dempsey Neonatal Nurses Training Endowment Fund (the UConn Foundation, P.O. Box 712659, Philadelphia, PA 19171-2659) or; a charity of one’s choice or simply remember her by being kind to others.

“God saw the road was getting rough — the hill too hard to climb, and so he gently closed her eyes — and whispered, ‘Peace be thine.’”

The Mystic Funeral Home is handling Phyllis’s arrangements.