Phyllis W. Nelson of Sharon, formerly of Mayfield Rd., Sharpsville, passed away Thursday morning, August 13, 2015, in her home. She was 87. Mrs. Nelson was born August 19, 1927, in Sharon, a daughter of Peter J. and Mary K. (Kuhner) Whalen. She was a lifelong area resident and a 1945 graduate of Sharon High School. Phyllis was the secretary to the CEO of Penn State Shenango, Sharon, for 22 years, retiring in 1988. She was previously employed at the former Sharon Transformer Division of Westinghouse Electric Corporation. She was a member of St. Joseph Church, Sharon. Phyllis was a American Red Cross swimming instructor and a member of a bridge club for more than 25 years. She enjoyed crocheting, crafts and bowling in the former Sacred Heart league. Her husband, Robert J. Nelson, whom she married May 24, 1952, passed away November 4, 2008. Surviving are: a daughter, Theresa Nelson Monilaw and her husband Douglas, Sharon; a son, John Robert Nelson and his wife Barbara, Winter Park, FL; four grandchildren, Jeremy Nelson and his wife Nicole; Alexandra, Derrick and David Nelson; 3 step-grandchildren, Douglas Monilaw, Jr., Beth Kuritz and Krista Goodrich; and a sister, Emelia Kennehan, Youngstown, Ohio. Besides her husband, Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Keith Edward Nelson; a brother, Robert M. Whalen; and two sisters, Kathleen Linder and Mary Frances Pearce. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society. There are no calling hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery, Hermitage.