Sister Phyllis Doyle, R.S.M.

Biddeford – Sister Phyllis Doyle, R.S.M. (Sister Miriam), 95, died at St. Joseph’s Convent, Biddeford, on August 20, 2025. Born to James Doyle and Mary King Doyle, Sister Phyllis was the youngest of seven siblings. She died on the same date as her mother’s birthday. Unfortunately, Sister Phyllis lost her mother at a young age, her brothers and sisters lovingly helped raise her.

After graduating from Cathedral High School, Sister Phyllis entered the Sisters of Mercy, where she began her religious studies. She received her BA in English at St. Joseph’s College, Standish; MA in English from the University of Maine and PhD. in English from the University of Rhode Island. Sister Phyllis began her educational career in elementary, junior high and high school levels from Portland to Houlton including John Bapst High School in Bangor. In 1974, Sister Phyllis joined the faculty of St. Joseph’s College, Standish, as a Professor of English. She excelled in sharing her enthusiasm for literature, especially, Women’s Studies, and her students enjoyed learning from her!

Sister Phyllis was a gifted poet and writer. While at St. Joseph’s College, she actively wrote and published several papers. She was selected to present her paper entitled, “Self-image in Fitzgerald’s Fiction” at the Fifth Anniversary of the American Imagery Conference in New York City. Her writings were published in the anthology of “Sorin of Notre Dame” and the “Delta Epsilon Sigma Journal”. Sister Phyllis had her first book of verse published by Mellen Press entitled, “Portraits and Landscapes.” She also had a talent for acting, appearing in several plays in her younger days.

When meeting Sister Phyllis, you would encounter a humble woman, gracious and kind. She loved God’s people and showed a genuine interest when interacting with them. She was particularly empathetic to those who were struggling, giving of her time and support while keeping them in prayer. She reached out to all warmly with a merciful heart.

Sister Phyllis cherished time with her family and friends. Her motto, “Rejoice in the Lord,” which she is now sharing with her predeceased parents; her sisters, Madelyn and Eleanor Doyle, Dorothy Doyle Donahue; her brothers, James, Edward, Richard Doyle; and a special nephew, Richard Doyle Jr.

She is survived by her 103 year old sister, Frances Doyle Bryson. She also leaves a great many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews; her dear friends, Sister Mary Fasulo, R.S.M., Sister Janet Campbell, R.S.M. and Sister Kathleen Smith, R.S.M., her religious community of Mercy, and many colleagues from St. Joseph’s College in Standish, Maine.

We are grateful to the Good Shepherd Sisters and St. Joseph’s Convent Staff for their many kindnesses, for Tailored Care, LLC, Northern Light Mercy Hospice, and Bay Square at Yarmouth for their compassion during her last days.

Visiting hours will be held from 3-5pm, on Friday, August 29, 2025, with a prayer service at 4:30pm, at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. To view the livestream of the prayer service, please visit www.facebook.com/ConroyTullyWalker. The livestream will begin at 4:15pm.

Prayers will be recited at 10am at the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland on Saturday, August 30, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11am on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave, Portland with the Most Rev. Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., as Principal Celebrant. To view the livestream of the Mass, please visit https://ladyofhopemaine.org. Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 1:30pm at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland.

Memorial donations may be made in her name to: The Retirement Fund of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, 966 Riverside St., Portland, ME 04103; or St. Joseph’s College Tuition Fund, 278 Whites Bridge Road, Standish, ME 04084