Phyllis, born in Minquedale and a lifelong Wilmington resident, died at Season’s Hospice on Tuesday March 2nd. She attended and graduated Wilmington High School where she met her lifelong husband and love of her life Alfred L. Meli. They were married in April of 1952 and remained so for 47 years before Al’s early passing in October of 1999.
Phyllis lovingly raised four children: Andrea Meli of Atlantic Beach, NC – married to Rick Germain and mother to Tiffany; Nancy Meli of Wilmington – partner to Scott Williams and mother to Sarah Farren and Grandmother to James Farren III; Suzanne Meli of Sydney, Australia and mother to Sophie Miller; Fred Meli of Townsend, DE.
Phyllis spent her life fully committed and involved with her children’s lives, her grandchildren’s lives and the daily care and nurturing of her great grandson, James.
Phyllis was one of 7 children and is survived by her brothers Don and Galen Griffith and sister Janet Davis.
Phyllis worked at Blue Rocks baseball and as a secretary for the Philadelphia Phillies and enjoyed a lifelong love of baseball. She also worked as an Executive Secretary at Delmarva Power. She was a tireless and energetic member of the Delaware Junior Board for decades and was directly involved with the opening of the Roxanna Arsht Surgi Center. Additionally she spent time working with the Diet Center of Wilmington.
Both she and her husband were longtime keen golfers and active members of Concord Country Club and Wilmington Country Club. Our mother was also a highly respected and challenging Bridge Player and hosted many bridge club luncheons and evening soirees – one of the many ways she showed her extraordinary talents as a hostess to her many friends.
Our mother was graceful and strong. She and our father taught us the values of integrity and respect and how to live honestly and truthfully. She taught us all, through her words and actions, to be givers, to be caring and to have a kind heart. Through them we learned to be thankful for life.
The family would like to thank Dr. Maria D’Souza and her team for Phyllis’ compassionate care.
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