Phyllis M. Bigelow

Phyllis M Bigelow, age 98, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 29, 2021 at her home in Sharon, Massachusetts, with her loving family by her side. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 9, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Gosta M. and Karin (Blomquist) Fagerstrom. She was raised in the greater Boston area, where she graduated from Jeremiah E Burke High School with the Class of 1941. Phyllis continued her education at the Burdett Business School in Boston, earning her associates degree. Following her graduation, Phyllis enlisted in the United States Navy through the WAVES Program, proudly serving her country during World War II. She was stationed at the Naval Ammunition Depot in Hingham, Massachusetts, where she oversaw her duty with honor and pride, receiving a commendation from the Base Commander as well as the Secretary of the Navy, James Forrestal.

Upon her honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946, Phyllis returned home to Arlington Heights for a short time after which she was soon married. In 1949, Phyllis moved to her new home in Malden and settled in Wakefield five years later. As Phyllis welcomed her three children, she took on the role of a stay-at-home mom, raising and caring for her young family. Once her children were enrolled in school, Phyllis started her new working career at the American Mutual Insurance Company. Later, she moved to Stoughton, Massachusetts in 1962 and took a position with Instron Engineering, overseeing their library of engineering materials. After her children became self-dependent, Phyllis left Massachusetts, spending time with her sister Joan in Oregon and later her brother David in Florida. Upon retirement, Phyllis returned to her roots in the Northeast in 1987, making her permanent home in Sharon Massachusetts, where she resided with her son David for 34 years.

Phyllis often volunteered, giving back to her community. She assisted elderly residents by taking them to various activities and appointments.

Phyllis also enjoyed other activities such as spending an afternoon on the golf course with friends, watercolor painting, day trips with the local senior center and daily walks. She especially loved to cook, travel and was an avid reader, finishing several novels a week.

Loving mother of David H. Bigelow of Sharon, Wendy Ostrowski and her husband, Larry, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Donald Bigelow and his wife, Novel, of Lowell.
Cherished grandmother of Sarah Delahanty and her husband, Doug, of North Canton, Ohio, Mark Ostrowski and his wife, Melissa, of Anderson, Ohio, Philip Ostrowski and his wife, Chasity, of Trenton, Ohio, and John Bigelow of Lowell; and great grandmother of Alexandra, Owen, Mary, and great step granddaughter Brianna.

Sister of the late Harvey Fagerstrom, David Fagerstrom, and Joan Fagerstrom Mahoney.
Aunt to Susan, Bob, Tom, Karin, Daye Marie, and Craig.

At the request of Phyllis' family, all services will take place privately and her final interment will take place at Forest Hills Cemetery in Boston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ellis Island Foundation
https://www.statueofliberty.org/support/