Phyllis Netherland

Phyllis Netherland, 75, of Gaithersburg, MD, formerly of Beaver, Pennsylvania, died peacefully in her home on April 29, 2019 of pulmonary fibrosis.  She was born on February 21, 1944 to Fred and Ruth Barger of Beaver, PA.  She is predeceased by her parents, her brother Robert Albright of Pittsburgh, PA, her husband of 37 years Christy Boyd Netherland and her son John Netherland both of Beaver, PA.

Phyllis was a grand lady who was constantly seeking enrichment in the people she surrounded herself with and the experiences she sought.  One of her friends described her this way:  A big smile on a super-pretty face and a look that says, "How wonderful to see you—nothing could make me happier!" A few examples of her accomplishments paint the picture even clearer.  She was a well-respected radiologic technologist by training and pursued advanced certification as a dedicated MRI technologist later in her career, she was an active member of Toast Masters, an entrepreneur who created her own unique piece of hand forged jewelry called “Loved One Remembered”, and a member of the Beaver County Historical Society prior to moving to Gettysburg, PA in 2004.  It did not take her long to become very active in the Adams County Arts Council, a valued employee at Gallery 30, a director of the Gettysburg Arts Festival’s Fringe Festival for many years and one of the founding members of a local support group of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.    She had dear friends in many places, made new friends with a smile, loved to travel and most of all spend time with her family.  Her granddaughter Maggie remembers her as a woman who “was so graciously accepting of all people from all walks of life”.

Survivors include her daughter Elizabeth Donovan, son-in-law Terry Donovan, granddaughters Margaret Elizabeth Donovan, Megan Christy Donovan and Gillian Mairead Donovan of Boyds, MD; sisters Martha Kotys and husband Aaron Kotys of Beaver PA, Doris Ruys and husband Ron Ruys of Columbia, SC; and cousin Joan Sennello and husband Lou Sennello of Elgin, SC. She will also be remembered by many cherished friends, nieces and nephews.

Phyllis requested a memorial service in lieu of burial which will be planned for some time in the future.  Her daughter wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her last days. Memorial donations may be sent to The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation by mail at 230 E. Ohio Street Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60611 or online at a dedicated memorial fund https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/PFFTribute/PhyllisNetherland145.