Phyllis Kay Matthai

Phyllis Kay Matthai of Easton, MD passed away on Friday January 5, 2024. She was 79 years old. Born on September 14, 1944, in Williamsburg, MD, she was the daughter of Lloyd and Helen Poole. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Patsy Bandoch and her only child Chesley Lee Hargraves, IV who passed away on November 5, 1996. There wasn’t a day that went by that she deeply mourned Chet’s passing, but she kept her game face on. Phyllis prayed for Chet every single night until she wasn’t able to remember him anymore. She will be laid to rest next to her son in the Oxford Cemetery. Phyllis graduated from Colonel Richardson High School and after a brief stint in the Air Force in Germany, she returned to the states and began her secretarial career at Easton Hospital where she remained for 45 years. She connected to so many people and in time referred to them as her “other family.” It was not unusual for Phyllis to work or volunteer some hours outside of the hospital because she wanted to stay active and be around others. She retired in 2013 and at that time she was Executive Assistant to the President of Shore Health Systems. Many will remember Phyllis as fashionable. She said, “when you look good, you feel good.” She was skilled in choosing the right outfit, hair style, make up and accessories. She was always very grateful for the compliments she received. Her fashion sense brings us to her hobbies and joys. Phyllis loved shopping, trying out new recipes, reading, and going out with her friends to lunch or dinner. She also enjoyed the slots at the casino and prior to her illness was an avid golfer. She had so many happy memories with all her golf partners, especially when she had a really good game. Phyllis was a member of the St. Marks United Methodist Church in Easton. Phyllis is survived by her brothers, Ronnie Poole (Patti) of Laurel, DE, Teddy Poole (Connie) of Preston, MD and Gary Poole (Teresa) of Easton, MD. Nieces and nephews: Sarah Poole, Alicia Greenhalgh (Matt), Tracy Poole (Robin) and Tina Bandoch, as well as several grand nieces and nephews. The family wishes to send their sincerest appreciation to all those that have cared deeply and comforted Phyllis during this heartbreaking journey of her life; her close friend, Suzanne, Queenstown Landing Assisted Living, Candle Light Cove Memory Care and Talbot Hospice. A funeral service will be held on Thursday January 11, 2024, at 12pm at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home in Easton. A visitation will be held from 11am – 12pm before the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Talbot Hospice in Easton, MD or American Cancer Society.

Phyllis Kay Matthai

September 14, 1944 - January 5, 2024