AUBURN — Phyllis E. Lafontaine, 88, formerly of 84 Shawmut St., Lewiston, died on Thursday, May 1, at Clover Health Care in Auburn.

She was born in Portland on Oct. 1, 1925, to Eugene and Lena Thomas Cummings. She was raised by her grandparents Charles and Hattie Thomas of Lisbon. She attended Lisbon schools and graduated in 1944.

She was very skilled at sewing and needlepoint. She made clothing, aprons and intricate doilies. As a teenager, she won ribbons from 4-H.

On May 29, 1948, she married Gerald Lafontaine. They made their home on Shawmut Street. Summers were spent at their camp on Sabattus Lake where they often entertained friends and family.

In her early years, she worked in a Lisbon textile mill then at Cowen Mill in Lewiston. Later, she worked at Lewiston City Hall’s Traffic Bureau. Gerald passed away June 30, 1980. At the age of 55, Phyllis became a licensed driver. After 20 years of public service, she retired to help care for her mother-in-law, Rachel Lafontaine.

As a member of the former St. Patrick’s Church, she contributed many delicious homemade pies and cookies to their annual Christmas fairs. She treasured family gatherings to celebrate holidays and special occasions. One of her favorite outings was driving to Dunkin’ Donuts on Center Street in Auburn.

Surviving relatives include a sister-in-law, Rita Lafontaine; a brother-in-law, Roger Comeau; nieces and nephews, Normand Comeau, Normand and Anne Lafontaine, Robert and Pauline Valliere, Linda Lafontaine, Lucien and Dianna Lafontaine, Lionel and Nancy Lafontatine, Richard Lafontaine, Florence Metzgar, Lorin and Larraine Motta, Lawrence and Joanne Lafontaine, William and Rachel Dunham, Diane Richard, Mike Lafontaine, and Gene and Pat Monahan; great-nieces include Alyssa, Amy and Anna Richard; and many more.

She was predeceased by her brother, Robert, who passed away in 2000.

Phyllis’ family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Clover Health Care and Androscoggin Hospice for all the excellent care she received.

Condolences, donations, and a video tribute may be accessed online at www.albert-burpee.com.