Phyllis J. Van Siclen, 86, of Ridgefield, Connecticut, formerly of St. Andrews Village in Boothbay Harbor, died peacefully at home May 29, 2018.

Phyllis was born to Carl and Mildred (Behring) Johnson in Brooklyn, New York. After attending elementary school in New York City, her family moved to New Hampshire and she graduated from Pembroke Academy in 1949. She went on to study English Literature and graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1953.

She married UNH classmate Harold R. Van Siclen Jr. in August 1954. Despite being relocated frequently with his work, she was able to continue her career in merchandising. One of her favorite jobs was working in the boutique at Nieman Marcus in Houston, Texas.

They eventually retired to Kennebunk, Maine and then to Boothbay Harbor, which held a special place in her heart. She and Harold worked at Sprucewold Lodge during college and they celebrated their anniversary every year at Rocktide.

She was an active member of The Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor and served on the deaconate and hospitality committee. She also worked at the St. Andrews Auxiliary Thrift Shop. She cherished her time in Boothbay Harbor and was blessed to have many special friends there.

She is survived by her husband of almost 64 years; nieces, Deborah Ahle and Sandra Carpenter of Ridgefield, Connecticut, and Barbara Hickok of Manchester, New Hampshire; and nephew, Lawrence Koch of Savannah, Georgia.

Burial will take place in the Evergreen Cemetery in Boothbay Harbor at a later date.

Contributions in Phyllis’ memory may be made to the Boothbay Region Food Pantry, P.O Box 63, East Boothbay, ME 04544 or the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 7, Edgecomb, ME 04556.