Phyllis Montefusco,70, died Wednesday afternoon June 24, 2009 at Valley Regional Hospital of a brief illness.

She was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 9, 1938 the daughter of Anthony P. and Ines (Nicastro) Formichelli.

She graduated from Massapequa High School in Long Island, NY the class of 1956, then attended Pratt Institute for fashion design.  She moved from New York to New Hampshire in May of 1965.  Phyllis was a member of the Lioness Club, Claremont Women of the Moose Chapter 629 and the Charlestown Senior Center, where she loved to play bridge with her friends.  Art was a great passion of hers. Her paintings have been displayed throughout many towns in NH and VT and have touched the lives of many.  She enjoyed working with the disabled and sharing her talent of painting with them.

Her biggest joy in life was her family.  She loved spending time with them and spoiled her eight grandchildren and great granddaughter immensely.  Her children will miss her caring ways and constant love and support.  They hope to install the same values and compassion into their children that she has instilled in them.  She adored her husband Joseph and was a loving and faithful wife for forty nine years. Although we know she is in a better place, she will be truly missed by all who knew her.

The family includes her husband Joseph Montefusco whom she married in November 19, 1960; one son Frank Montefusco and his wife Lorena of North Carolina; two daughters Kathy Chartier and her husband Donald of Newport, NH and Kara Santti and her husband Norman of Sunapee, NH.  One brother John Formichelli and his wife Arlene of Claremont; eight grandchildren Tara Montefusco, Jake Montefusco, Anthony Montefusco, Loren Montefusco, Jacki Chartier, Rachel Chartier, Taylor Santti and Alexa Santti; one great granddaughter Jasmine; also numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents and a brother Joseph Formichelli.

Friends may call at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street in Claremont on Sunday evening June 28^th from 6 to 8 PM.  Funeral services will be held Monday morning, June 29^th at Eleven O’clock at the Funeral Home with Rev. Stanley J. Piwowar, officiating.  Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.

The family request that any donations be made to Joseph Montefusco 93 Meadow Road, Charlestown, NH 03603 to help with the funeral expenses.