Phyllis Denit - Obituary

hyllis (Woods) Denit was born in Epping, Essex, England, on September 25, 1923. Her family soon moved to the country around Newbury, in Berkshire. Her parents worked on the estates of wealthy landowners, gardening and butlering. She was the oldest of three children. She spoke with fondness of her free periods when they would play in the woods, meadows, and streams all around. She also loved books and reading, and did well in school, receiving a school award for her good work. For a brief time she also ran hurdles at school. At age 14 she had to leave to start work at a different estate, starting at the bottom, but proving herself capable of rising to challenges. She spoke of one time when the cook was away and the Lady found she would have company. She knew Phyllis to be an able girl and told her she would have to prepare a large, beautiful salmon for supper. “But, Ma’am, I don’t know how to cook a salmon.” But she did it, and the Lady was pleased. At age 17 she left household service for military service in World War II. She enlisted in the women’s branch of the British Army, the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), and was assigned to serve with the Royal Artillery on heavy anti-aircraft gun batteries, one of the few units where men and women served together. On Wednesday, September 19, 2012; the beloved wife of the late John Denit; mother of Paul G. and Lyle R. Denit; mother-in-law of Julie K. Nelson; grandmother of John Lucas N. Denit. A committal service will be held on Monday, September 24, 2012 at 11am at Maryland Veterans Cemetery Chapel, 11301 Crain Highway, Cheltenham, Maryland 20623. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Calvary Catholic School, 6704 Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD 20747.