NEWTOWN, Pa. – Phyllis Burns, 79, of Auburn, passed away peacefully after a brief illness at St. Mary’s Medical Center, with her loving family by her side.

She was born July 5, 1929, in Linneus, to Ralph and Velma Williams. She lived in Houlton and graduated from Houlton High School in 1948 and attended Ricker College.

She married L. Robert Burns on Sept. 20, 1950, in Houlton and they moved to Auburn, where she lived for 56 years. She and Bob enjoyed 30 years of marriage before he passed away May 15, 1980.

She and Bob owned and operated Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home for 20 years before selling it in 1981. She attended Auburn United Methodist Church and was a member for many years of Rugged Cross Shrine No. 2 of The Order of White Shrine Of Jerusalem, Pine Cone Chapter 26 of the Order of Eastern Star, Kiwaniannes of Auburn-Lewiston, Woman’s Hospital Association of CMMC, The Woman’s Literary Union of Androscoggin County and Auburn Animal Shelter.

She is survived by her son, Gregory, and daughter-in-law, Didi, of Yardley, Pa.; brother, Ralph Williams and wife, Betty, of Houlton; brother, Roy, of Houlton; sister, Carol Sewall and husband, Fred, of Brewer; three grandchildren, Robert of Somerville, Caroline and Alison; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; and a brother, Paul Williams.

She was very proud of her country and the state of Maine. She especially enjoyed her time with family and friends, spoiling her three “honey bunches,” volunteer activities, dining out, reading, quiet time on the Maine coast, and watching basketball.