Obituary of Phyllis O. McFaddin

NORWOOD –Phyllis G. McFaddin, 81 of Norwood died December 3, 2018 at her home under the care of her family and Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley. Per her request, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. A Celebration of Life will take place in the spring for her friends and family. She will be interned with her husband, James McFaddin in the Riverside Cemetery, Norwood. Phyllis was born in Malone on February 14, 1937, daughter of Irma (Dumas) and Louis Greenwood. She graduated from St. Joseph's Ursuline Academy in Malone and continued on to receive bachelor's and master's degrees from SUNY Potsdam. Phyllis was married to James H. McFaddin on September 22, 1956 at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Malone. They were married 59 years. Jim pre-deceased her on May 19, 2015. Phyllis was a popular middle and elementary teacher at Canton Central School for 23 years, retiring in 1994. She particularly enjoyed introducing students to the wonders of reading and science. Her greatest loves were for wayward animals and watching her grandchildren grow up. Phyllis had a lifelong passion for gardening, reading, walking, shoveling snow, and other outdoor activities. She was well known as a master gardener. Phyllis was one of the first donors to the Wild Center in Tupper Lake and past leader of the 4H Busy Beavers Club in Norwood. She also served as past President of the Norwood Public Library Board where she helped the library achieve district status. Phyllis is survived by her sister, Judy (Dave) Henderson, Grand Island; two sons James McFaddin, Norwood and Michael McFaddin, Colton; two daughters: Erin (James) LaBarge, Norwood and Kelley (Patrick) Brady, Potsdam; along with her grandchildren: Michael J. McFaddin, Crystal McFaddin Eicher, James I. McFaddin, Sean L. McFaddin, Zakaria J. LaBarge, Meaghan G. Brady, Moriah Brady Warren, Molly Brady diVincenzo, Connor P. Brady and Jack L. Brady; her great grandchildren: Logan D. Eicher, Elizabeth R. Eicher, Brady P. Warren, Myles D. Warren and Marianna G. diVincenzo; along with many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Phyllis was preceded in death by her sister Mary E. Hanlon in 2004. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Potsdam Humane Society, 17 Madrid Avenue, Potsdam, NY 13676. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.buckfuneralhome.com . The Buck Funeral Home in Norwood is serving the family of Phyllis G. McFaddin. The family wishes to thank the Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley for their extraordinary service to Phyllis during her long illness.