Phyllis is the youngest child of Jack and Anna Wright. She was born at the family home in Larksville and lived there until her marriage in 1960 to Samuel Ferry whom she met while working as a secretary at Wilkes College.
From daughter Carolyn: Growing up, Phyllis Ferry ensured her kids had the maximum amount of fun. While other mothers may have scoffed at keeping a giant cardboard box around, Robert and I had many. These boxes became bowling alleys, spaceships or anything we imagined.
Our dad Samuel was the one who took us to the park to hit baseballs, followed by ice cream at Dairy Queen. At home, his favorite records filled the living room while he sang along and we played board games. Both of my parents had a great sense of humor, which meant our home always had laughter.
A graduate of Boston University and Fordham University School of Law, my dad became an attorney and opened his own practice in Stamford across from City Hall, but always made time for us. Cancer prevented him from having a long career or seeing his children grow into adulthood, but each moment we had as a family is treasured.
It was my mom who guided us through the challenging times with hope and optimism. She was our champion and cheerleader. As an anxious child, she made me feel safe and loved. I remember leaving school sporting my 70’s bell bottoms and carrying my little clarinet case, knowing my mom would be waiting for me outside the school. She built my confidence. She read to us and inspired our love of learning. She worked as an elementary school media center aide and was active in the community, volunteering for the PTA and the Stamford Junior Women’s Club. She fought to make sure her two children had all the resources we needed from our schools, even making sure we had a school bus on our street.
As we got older, she started a new career in advertising as a media assistant for Georgia Pacific Corporation and with her intelligence and hard work, she quickly moved up the corporate ladder. Through her job she met and became friends with the great Rosemary Clooney. She later advanced in her career at the American Tobacco Company and Reader’s Digest. My mom ensured that Robert and I had the opportunity to attend college. Throughout or lives, she has believed in her children and grandchildren, Meghan and Sam, and encouraged all of us to aim for our dreams and be happy. She is an inspiration.
