CONNERNEY, Phyllis (Knox) Needham. May 22, 1934 – January 24, 2025. Age 90. Loving wife of 60 years to William R. Connerney of Needham. Beloved mother to Stephen Connerney of Athol; Jeanne Connerney of Watertown; James Connerney and his wife, Sheila of Arlington; and Erica Connerney of New York City. Grandmother to Walter Connerney of Arlington. Sister to Bruce and William (Sandy) Knox of South Berwick, ME and the late Webber Knox of CA, Robert Knox of South Berwick, ME, Margaret Carroll (Peggy) of NJ, and Frederick Knox of York, ME. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Phyllis grew up in Medford, graduated from Medford High School, and earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Lowell State Teacher’s College in 1956. Before marrying and starting a family, she taught first grade for 9 years at the Dane School in Medford, performed in a choral trio, and danced in a jazz troupe. Later, she returned to teaching and was known for her singing and her easy way of connecting with the children at the former Grace Christian Nursery School in Needham. She was also a beloved hospice volunteer for Tippett House in Needham.
Her hobbies included baking, gardening, and reading. Phyllis kept a spotless home, where the kettle was always on and where all were welcome in for a cup of tea and a homemade cookie. She spent over 50 summers at Moody Beach in Maine, where she loved walking the beach. She enjoyed playing games, including Boggle and Crazy 8’s, and she was an excellent ping-pong player well into old age.
An unconditionally loving mother, intensely devoted to her immediate and extended family, Phyllis loved hosting holiday celebrations and summer cookouts. She traveled widely, including to Canada, Ireland, France, and India.
Her kindness, humor, and unconditional love will be sorely missed.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Avenue, Needham on Friday, January 31 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Funeral from the Funeral Home on Saturday, February 1, at 8:00 a.m, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Susanna Catholic Church, 262 Needham Street, Dedham at 9:00 a.m. Burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 1 Wellesley Ave., Needham, followed by a celebration. Family and friends are encouraged to attend.