1923 – 2016

AUBURN — Phyllis Kathleen (Miles) Bernard passed on Sunday, June 12, at Stephens Memorial Hospital surrounded by devoted family.

Phyllis was born Oct. 16, 1923, in Lewiston, the oldest daughter of seven children of Charles and Alice Miles, and was a lifelong resident of Auburn. She graduated from Edward Little High School in 1941 and worked all of her adult life, holding positions at Bates Fabrics, Raytheon and the Auburn Drive-in Theater, but her longest career was as a receiving clerk at Ward Bros. Clothing on Lisbon Street. She also served as an election clerk in Auburn for many years.

Phyllis married Leonel Bernard in 1949 and raised a daughter, Nancy, and sons, Nel and Jay. Phyllis was the matriarch of the family, generously hosting extended family Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas Eve get-togethers for many years. For several summers, Phyllis treated her family to camping adventures at Hermit’s Island on Joe’s Head, giving everyone a rich understanding and love of Maine’s outdoors.

A very talented seamstress, she also took up knitting and reading, which she continued all her life. In her retirement, she helped raise her granddaughters and loved visits by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Phyllis’ generosity is noted by her donor’s dedication plaque at the Auburn Public Library.

Phyllis is survived by her former husband, Leonel, of San Antonio; her daughter, Nancy Rowe Mason and her husband, Tom, of Port Charlotte, Fla.; her son, Nel and his wife, Denise, of Poland; her son, Jay and his wife, Carol, of Concord Pond; and leaves four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers, Wallace Miles of Saugus, Mass., and Dana Miles of Portland; and sister, Nina Mae Stimson of Mechanic Falls.

Phyllis is predeceased by brothers, Kenneth and Donald Miles; and her sister, Christine Teeny Coutts.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Isaac, the emergency and hospital staff at St. Mary’s Regional Hospital, the rehab staffs at d’Youville and Norway Rehabilitation, and the doctors and nurses at Stephens Memorial Hospital for their wonderful care of Phyllis during her final days.