Phyllis Ann Mortimer Qualls, born August 21, 1947, in Norwich, Connecticut, completed life’s journey on May 20, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. She was a cancer survivor of 23 years before she went to her heavenly home to be with the Lord. She was the daughter of Samuel and Evelyn Mortimer of Oneco, Connecticut.

Phyllis attended Oneco Grammar School and graduated from Plainfield High School in 1965. She later attended Windham Regional Technical School, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification in 1966.

On December 17, 1966, she married the love of her life, Paul N. Qualls. Together they shared many years of marriage and raised two daughters, Dawn Qualls Shaw and Jennie Lynn Qualls. Phyllis was also a proud grandmother to Aubry Ann Shaw and Maggie Mae Shaw.

As the wife of a Navy serviceman, she and her husband Paul moved several times during the early years of marriage to Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Key West before settling in Summerville, South Carolina, where the family lived for 35 years. In 2007, she moved to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, to be closer to her grandchildren who she loved so deeply.

She found joy in life’s simple and beautiful moments and was known for warmly welcoming family and friends into her cozy home, where people always felt comfortable, cared for, and loved. Her mornings were among her favorite times of day, beginning with a cup of coffee, listening to the birds, and spending peaceful time with God. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she attended First Christian Church where she belonged to the Caring Connection group. She was also a grateful friend of Bill’s, cherishing strength, connection, and long lasting friendships she found there. She loved long walks, especially at the beach and long country rides with no destination...especially if included a maple walnut ice cream. She enjoyed her garden filled with flowers and being in nature. She had fond memories of kayaking with friends in Charleston, where she also participated in dragon boat racing for cancer. She also loved kayaking Winni and Wentworth where she treasured the lake, the laughter and the loons. She was famous for her giant chocolate eclair that always disappeared wherever it was presented and her version of lasagna always requested at family occasions.  Quiet afternoons were often spent reading, journaling, working on puzzles, or painting where she often shared her creativity through the handmade greeting cards she lovingly created for others. She especially enjoyed the rainbow of colors in a painting, in her garden of flowers, and even in decorating her home. Above all, she valued connection, kindness, faith, and the beauty found in everyday life.

Phyllis devoted much of her life to caring for others as an LPN, working for various physicians in the Summerville, SC area and also provided hospice and home health care. Her compassion, gentle spirit, and caring nature touched many lives throughout her years of service. 

She is survived by her daughters, Dawn Qualls Shaw (Michael Shaw) and Jennie Qualls (Sergio Smith) and her beloved grandchildren, Aubry Ann Shaw and Maggie Mae Shaw. 

She also leaves behind siblings James Mortimer (Mary), Patricia Tyler, and Anna Gagner (Russ), sisters-in-law Lorena Atherton and Shirley Qualls as well as nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Norman Qualls in May 2000.  Her siblings Robert Mortimer and Barbara Beaudreau are also predeceased.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday June 19th at noon at the First Christian Church in Wolfeboro. In honor of Phyllis’s joyful spirit, family and friends are encouraged to casually “come as you are” and wear something bright and colorful if you choose. The opportunity to share a memory is welcomed at the Celebration.

If you wish to express condolences or leave a fond memory please visit Lordfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 68 Hours of Hunger, the local food pantry, meals on wheels, or Granite State Adaptive where she was so lovingly affected by Traveler the horse. 

Phyllis will be remembered for her devotion to family, her caring heart, and the love she shared with everyone who knew her.