Phyllis C. Frey

Phyllis Conrad Frey, 97, went to heaven Sunday, November 11 with family by her side. Phyllis was born in York September 22, 1921, the daughter of Florence Roth Conrad and Jesse Conrad. She was the wife of the late Paul L. Frey. Phyllis was a noted seamstress having dressed bridal parties and prominent York women for many years. She was responsible for making the first ladies gowns at the Hall of Presidents in Gettysburg. As a result of the Gettysburg project, she was the subject of a television To Tell The Truth episode in 1967. She was well known from Massachusetts to Virginia for her presentations on the first ladies with her collection of 12” dolls made with scraps from the Gettysburg project. There were few crafts she didn’t try, and she mastered many. Phyllis taught several classes at the York Recreation Center. She was an active member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church as a Sunday School teacher, quilter, circle member, Half-Century group, Wednesday Bible Study and headed the group that made the anniversary quilt. She was also a member of the Shiloh Garden Club, International Doll Artisans Guild, and the morning ladies water aerobics group at the Athletic Club. Phyllis’ sister was the late Irene Williams, and is survived by Holly Mellon (Rick), California and Jon Frey (Debbie), York. Her son Dave (Mary), Rhode Island died in January. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Shannon, Jessica, Alexandra, Andrew, Kimberly, and 2 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 West Market Street Sunday, November 18 at 1:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Coalition for Christian Outreach for Walt and Sue Johnston, 5912 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.