A Celebration of the life of Phyllis Brand Merritt will be held in Bethany United Church of Christ, Montpelier, VT on Wednesday August 5, 2015 at 11:00, with internment to follow at the family plot in Chester, VT. Phyllis was called to join her husband on August 2, 2015. Phyllis was born on 12/27/26 in St Paul Minnesota to Helen Amanda (Kissner) Brand and the Reverend Edward Ferdinand Brand. All elementary school years were in Minnesota, with graduation from Winona High School, followed by graduation from Mankato Business College. She then left Minnesota to attend North Central College, Naperville, IL where she met and married her husband, C. Allen Merritt who predeceased her on May, 22, 2015 after 67 years of marriage. After a 20 year hiatus to be a homemaker, mother, community and church volunteer with intermittent jobs as secretary to Vassar College president, two ministers, two manufacturing executives and a Probate Judge, Phyllis returned to college to complete her education. She received her BA from Johnson State College and her Master in Human Service Administration from UVM in 1985. During this time she worked as a Family counselor for the Washington County Youth Service Bureau, later with the Council on Aging and before retirement for the Community Resource Development of Washington County Mental Health. The continuing interest of her life, besides a deep love for her family and the blessings of a long and wide circle of friends, were: Music, books, discussions and support groups, personal development and spiritual growth, capped by a joyous and intense love of playing tennis. After a severe stroke she continued with much of her interests as her body allowed, always positive and upbeat, laughing at her own shortcomings. The foundation of her life, grounded in her family of origin, was a conscious commitment to serve Jesus Christ in the world – seeking freedom of choice, justice, peace and equal opportunity for all. Surviving are a son, Kenneth Merritt of Katonah, NY a daughter and son-in-law, Kristen and Michael Lynch, three grandchildren, Timothy, Meaghan and Kelly Lynch of East Montpelier, 2 great grandchildren Wyatt and Adelyn Lunde. Raised as siblings since infancy were her twin niece and nephew: Diane Stryker and David Blanchard. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews salting all parts of the earth. Special friends Helen Jean Reindel, Rose Leo, Mardie and Larry Noles, Carol Howard, Robert Barton and her many friends at Westview Meadows. Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her siblings Helen Brand Blanchard of Minnesota, Lowell Brand of St Louis, Alton Brand of Seattle and Carlyle Brand of Aurora, NY. Because of her life-long love of the church and avid interest in its mission work locally and throughout the world, Phyllis requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Bethany United Church of Christ, 115 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602, for the express use of the Outreach/Mission Board. On-line condolence may be sent at www.guareandsons.com