Phyllis Harvey Smith passed away on Thursday, February 11th, 2021 at Lahey Hospital in Burlington, Massachusetts, with her daughter and son-in-law by her side.

Phyllis Elaine Harvey was born March 1st, 1938 in Providence, Rhode Island to Eleanor and John Harvey Jr. She is survived by her two younger siblings, John Harvey III (Sandy), and Elizabeth Harvey. Phyllis grew up in Pawtucket, RI, and attended Northfield School for Girls. There, she met David Smith, her high school sweetheart and husband of 60 years, who passed away less than two months prior. After high school, Phyllis went on to the Massachusetts General School of Nursing, where she graduated as an RN, and made lifelong friends.

Phyllis and Dave had two children, Clark Smith (Tiffany), and Andrea Smith (Bob Morse), and were doting grandparents to three grandchildren, Carter Smith, Kate Morse, and Chris Morse.

Phyllis was a pioneer in the field of nursing and spent most of her career in Amherst, Massachusetts. While working in the infirmary at UMass, she studied to become one of the first nurse practitioners in the country. She was then reluctantly hired by a team of doctors who told her she could work for them until she made her first mistake. She was with them for 27 years, and upon retirement was honored by her peers many of whom wouldn't have had jobs if it weren't for her.

Phyllis's Amherst home was a hub of activity, hosting varying swaths of family and friends for days around the pool and big family meals. The house was surrounded by Phyllis's beautiful gardens and full of her handiwork, on quilts and afghans and snickerdoodle cakes.

After Phyllis and Dave had both retired, they moved from Amherst to Bedford, MA, to be closer to their daughter and her family. They attended every one of their grandkids' performances, from band concerts to swim meets. Phyllis spent her years in Bedford as an active community member. She was quite involved with Follen Community Church, participating in the choir, knitting club, and book club, and she volunteered regularly with the Bedford Farmers Market, as well as at Mass General Hospital.

Due to Covid, there was no funeral. Later this summer, a celebration of life will be planned for the family, in honor of both Phyllis and her husband Dave.