PHYLLIS BINGHAM SEVERSON

SHELBURNE — Phyllis Bingham Severson, a resident of Wake Robin in Shelburne, Vt., died Nov. 8, 2023, at the age of 93. She was born Dec. 13, 1929, in Portland, Maine, the oldest of Neva and Wellington Bingham’s three children. After attending Deering High and the University of Maine, she completed a program at Columbia-Presbyterian School of Nursing. She graduated in 1952 as an RN. While attending school, she went to a picnic under the George Washington Bridge and met a young Columbia graduate student from Iowa named Ken Severson. They were married Aug. 16, 1953, in Portland, Maine. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary at their camp on Lake Champlain surrounded by extended family.

Phyllis worked as a nurse in New Hampshire, Iowa, NYC, Massachusetts, and Vermont depending on where Ken was working or going to school. In 1955 they moved to Vermont, where their four children were born. In 1973, she began the first of her 20 years working at the Counseling Service of Addison County in Middlebury, Vt., where she and Ken lived for 41 years before moving to Wake Robin in 2002. During those wonderful years in Middlebury, Phyllis volunteered for the Red Cross, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Congregational Church, the local elementary school, and Middlebury Volunteer Ambulance Association. She also volunteered at the Counseling Service before and after she was employed, where she met many cherished friends.

After moving to Wake Robin, Phyllis remained active both physically and by volunteering. She was a member of a walking group, went snowshoeing (sometimes by moonlight!) and volunteered by helping in the gift shop among other things. She served as a floor representative which involved welcoming new residents and arranging get-togethers.  She helped residents of the nursing home participate in recreational activities such as BINGO, and enjoyed attending the countless gatherings, concerts, movies, and special occasions offered to residents.

Phyllis is survived by her devoted husband Kenneth (96) who went above and beyond in her later years to care for and support her. She is also survived by her children, David (Cheryl) Severson, Jeffrey Severson, Dana Severson, and Nancy (Denis) Montera. She also leaves behind a legacy through her six grandchildren, Katelyn (John Jr.) Ihne, Alex Severson, Daniel Montera, Kelly Montera, Margaret Montera and Dylan Severson; and two great-grandchildren, Jack III, and Madison. Her beloved brother Allen Bingham and sister-in-law Jody Bingham, many incredible nieces and nephews, as well as extended family and wonderful friends have also survived her.  She is predeceased by her sister (and partner-in-crime) Judy Larsen, brother-in-law Joel Larsen, and their son, Peter Larsen.

There will be no calling hours. If desired, donations in her memory may be made to the Counseling Service of Addison County, 89 Main Street, Middlebury, VT 05753.◊