Phyllis Michaud

1918 – 2010

SOUTH PARIS — Phyllis Cora (Player) Michaud, 91, of Presque Isle, died Tuesday, Feb. 16, at Market Square Healthcare Center.

She was born July 1, 1918, in Sheffield, Vt., the fourth child of Thomas and Mabel (Berry) Player. She grew up in the Lyndonville, Vt., area and was a graduate of Lyndon Institute’s, Class of 1936. She was an excellent student and enjoyed her years there very much and she especially enjoyed attending her class reunions.

She had a deep love and respect for her parents and always spoke of the wonderful memories she had of her childhood growing up in Vermont. She loved taking her children to visit her parents, extended family and friends in Vermont.

She worked as a nurse’s aide at Maine General Hospital in Portland for many years. After her retirement, she moved to Presque Isle and volunteered hundreds of hours with her husband, Lionel, for the Aroostook County RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) located in Presque Isle. She enjoyed visiting local nursing homes and playing the piano for residents. She and Lionel were also helpful in visiting and running errands for shut-ins.

She will be remembered by her family for her independence as a single mother and a pioneer working mother in the 1940s and 1950s. She often spoke of her experiences working for the South Portland Shipyard during World War II as “Rosie the Riveter.” She will also be remembered for her firm, unwavering opinions and convictions.

She was lovingly cared for by her husband, Lionel Michaud, until she was admitted to Market Square Healthcare Center. We would like to thank the staff there for the excellent care, kindness, and support given to her and her family.

Survivors include her husband, Lionel Michaud of Presque Isle; a son, Gary Blanchard and companion, Marge Schwartz, of Northampton, N.J.; three daughters, Pamela Isrow and husband, Craig, of Delray Beach, Fla., Maybelle Crasnick and husband, Mark, of Falmouth and Mary Roussel and husband, Andre, of Auburn; 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Diane Dussault of Cape Elizabeth; a son-in-law, Lewie Rose of Florida; a sister-in-law, Shirley Player of Wallingford, Conn.; and many nieces and nephews.

She was the last surviving sibling in her family. She was predeceased by a son, Allen W. Dussault; a daughter, Jalna M. Rose; her three brothers, Frankie Player, Donald and wife, Alice Player and Vernal Player; and three sisters, Enestine and Kenneth Davis, Goldie and William Gauthier and Gloria Jean Player, as an infant.