Phyllis M. Capen's Obituary
Phyllis M. Capen, 97, of Willington, CT, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Born in Portland, ME, she was the daughter of the late Philip and Evelyn (Cookson) Howe.
Phyllis dedicated many years of her career as a telephone operator with Sears Roebuck before her retirement. Outside of her work, she found great joy in creative pursuits, especially knitting and crocheting, and in more recent years, crafting with plastic canvas. An avid reader, Phyllis cherished the simple pleasure of a good book, which remained her favorite pastime throughout her life.
She will be deeply missed by her loving family, including her four children: Carol Peckham; David Balanceau and his wife, Bozena; Betty Jean Mathewson and her husband, Gary; and Diane Lucente. She also leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Phyllis was predeceased by her stepfather, Robert Marston; her first husband, Philip J. Balanceau; her second husband, Robert Capen; her son, Philip L. Balanceau; and her brother, Carl Howe.
Funeral services will be held privately, with burial in Ellington Center Cemetery in Ellington, CT. Memorial donations may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, P.O. Box 758589, Topeka, KS 66675-8589, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Phyllis will be remembered for her quiet strength, her creativity, and her enduring love for family and reading.
Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., Stafford Springs, CT, has care of the arrangements. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: https://www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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