Phyllis C Ashwood

Phyllis Conant Ashwood died peacefully at home on August 23, 2017 in Mount Holly, NJ at the age of 88. She was predeceased by her husband Robert Paull Ashwood in 1978, a son Donald Ashwood, daughter Susan Lynn Ashwood in 2007 and granddaughter Kristin Nicole Campbell in 2008. She was also predeceased by her father and stepmother Leslie and Olive Conant, her mother and stepfather Florence and Garland Garnsey, a special nephew John Garnsey and many uncles, aunts and cousins. She is survived by her daughters Paula J. Shinn and her husband Robert, and Betty J. Ashwood of Lawrenceville NJ, granddaughter Jody Meeks and her husband Dave, grandsons William S. Wiedemann and John Ashwood and his partner Jennifer Cannon, great grandchildren, Dave W, Meeks and Nicole Campbell. She is also survived by her sister Carla Toomey and husband Jimmy of upstate New York, and many nieces and nephews. Phyllis was born in Clayton, NY August 20, 1928 to Florence and Leslie Conant. She lived on Grindstone Island, NY and attended school there through 8th grade at the Little Red Schoolhouse. It has been restored and still stands on the island. She completed her high school education in Clayton, NY. From high school she went to business school, worked in Watertown, NY and met her husband during World War II. They were married December 31, 1949. The couple relocated to Hightstown, NJ in 1952. While working at the Rug Mill and raising her children, she applied for a position at RCA, Astro Division in East Windsor, NJ. The Astro division was responsible for developing the TIROS weather satellite project, which was top secret at the time. The engineers had to “make” a computer, build a satellite, write all the programing and attend the launches. Part of her job was to prepare and compile all reports. She attended her first launch watching experience in California. About 10 years ago she was guest of honor at a “TIROS” event honoring her for her contribution to the program. Phyllis loved to travel and has seen and enjoyed several countries. She had a quick wit and funny or zinging comments and also loved to party. Our family wishes to acknowledge an extended family. First to Edward D. Sass who shared his home with her, worked Sudoku puzzles together and shared the family cat. Next are the caregivers who attended her every need the past several years: Tammy Zarzecki, Marybeth Chirelli and Susan Cahall. All are part of our family and we thank you. Funeral Services will be held on Monday at 11:00 AM at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mount Holly. Friends may visit with the family on Monday from 10-11 AM at the Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Princeton Memorial Park in Robbinsville.

Phyllis C Ashwood

August 30, 1928 - August 23, 2017