Phyllis Anne Kruger of Haddam Neck passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on October 11, 2017 at the age of 75. She was born in Vermont, daughter of the late Beryl & Bernard (Duke) Lougee and is survived by 2 sisters and 2 brothers. She is survived by her beloved husband John L. Kruger of 42 years, her 5 children, Deborah Wood, Cynthia Naughton, Amy Grillo, John Shail and predeceased by Stephen Shail, her 4 step-children, Karen Kruger, Paul Kruger, Kirsten Kruger and Keri Milbrecht. She also leaves behind 18 Grandchildren, 1 Grandchild predeceased, 11 Great-Grandchildren and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. 

Phyllis became a member of the Haddam Neck Fire Department in 1975, was named Secretary for the newly formed Department Board of Directors in 1977, was elected Vice President and Treasurer in 1983. She was the 1st Lady of the Haddam Neck Fire Department and in the State of CT to hold a top administrative position on the Department Board of Directors when she was elected President in 1987. She drove school bus in Haddam, worked for the Gelston House in East Haddam, Coon’s Landscaping in East Hampton and then opened her own Merry Maids Franchise in Rocky Hill. She was a member of the Haddam Neck Congregational Church and helped with craft fairs, fundraisers and decorating the church each Christmas. She was always involved with the Haddam Neck Fire Department’s Corn Beef dinners, Halloween and Christmas parties. Every year you could find her at the Haddam Neck Fair, either working the Fire Department food booth serving sausage grinders, helping the Ladies Auxiliary or working the Information Booth.

She enjoyed reading books, gardening, knitting, embroidering and spending time with her family. She was very well known and respected in the community. A great deal of her time was spent in Vermont working on her family genealogy, holding annual family reunions, visiting family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all of her family, loved ones and all who knew her.

A Memorial Service will be held on October 28, 2017 at 11:00am at the Haddam Neck Congregational Church, 408 Quarry Hill Road, Haddam Neck, CT 06424. Immediately following the service, there will be a Celebration of Life reception at the Haddam Neck Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out to: Haddam Neck Fire Department, 50 Rock Landing Road, Haddam Neck, CT 06424.

To share a memory or send condolences please visit: www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com.

 Service Information