Phyllis Hope Banister, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on April 17, 2026. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to all.

Phyllis was born on Feb 6, 1943, in her grandmother’s home in Fort Kent, Maine and was raised in South Portland’s Ferry Village. Her earliest and most special memories were made alongside her parents, Estelle (Daigle) and John Swiger, her four brothers, and the many friends who made that close-knit community feel like an extended family. She came from humble beginnings, and she remembered that throughout her life.

Phyllis graduated from South Portland High School in 1961, where she served on the student council as class secretary and was voted “best dancer” by her peers. After earning a scholarship, she went on to obtain her degree in education from the Gorham State Teachers College. She subsequently broke ground as the first woman science teacher at Cape Elizabeth Middle School. Being a teacher was one of her greatest accomplishments, inspiring children with her curiosity and her love of learning.

She married Art Banister in 1965, and they shared 22 years of marriage. Together, they established their home in Cape Elizabeth, where they raised their two children, Greg and Kim. Phyllis and Art co-owned The Finest Kind Stove Shop. Phyllis later went on to work as the Payroll Manager for the City of Portland for 20 years, a position she truly enjoyed.

Phyllis believed in giving back to her community, most notably, dedicating over one thousand hours volunteering as the Treasurer of the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary. She held a strong faith being very active as a youngster in the Nazarene Church and loved Sunday School, Bible school and the annual summer picnics. As an adult, she attended church at St Bartholomew.

A gifted seamstress, Phyllis brought joy to her family through custom-made clothing and handcrafted Christmas treasures. Her exceptional skills were honored at the Cumberland County Fair, where she won prestigious blue ribbons for her doll making. She enjoyed “escaping” to the movies, with her favorite theater being The Movies on Exchange Street. She took great pride in the care of her yard at her home on Mitchell Road, where she resided for 55 years. She could often be found tending to her gardens—walking the grounds, singing to herself, digging up dandelions, and planting daffodil bulbs that returned in bloom each year, bringing beauty not only to her home but also to all who passed by.

Phyllis enjoyed camping and often challenged herself to step beyond her comfort zone. One of her boldest experiences was joining an Outward Bound sailboat expedition, where she was dropped off alone on an island with only minimal supplies, embracing the challenge of a true solo adventure. She had a deep sense of adventure and a genuine appreciation for nature and the world’s many wonders. She was fascinated by the moon and by space travel, and she held onto the hope that one day her family would make it there.

Phyllis's greatest joy in her later years was time spent with her three grandchildren, Madeline, Dylan, and Olivia. She and Madeline shared a special bond with afternoons of fun projects and little adventures, the kind of ordinary time that becomes extraordinary. She spent many quiet hours at the library. She treasured visits with friends, many of them lifelong companions going back to her Ferry Village days.

She spent her final years at The Landing in Cape Elizabeth where she embraced the community, the activities, and the staff who cared for her. She would say, “I am so happy I landed at the Landing”.

Phyllis always signed off with "I love you always and all ways." She ended every conversation with an instruction to give the ones you loved a "group hug."

She will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune to know her - by her children, her grandchildren, her lifelong friends, and everyone who ever received one of her group hugs.

Phyllis, we love you always and all ways.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, May 28th, from 4:00pm-7:00pm. at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. The family will hold a private Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Phyllis’s most beloved charity, The Portland Press Herald Toy fund (formerly Bruce Robert’s Toy Fund) https://www.pressherald.com/press-herald-toy-fund-donate/