Phyllis Hobe

PHYLLIS L. HOBE, of East Greenville, died July 2, 2007 in Pennsburg Manor after a short illness. Born in Weehawken, NJ, she was the daughter of the late William and Elsie (Moore) Moran, and step-daughter of the late Raymond Maloy. Phyllis was a graduate of Barnard College, New York City. She began her career at a public relations firm, then became a reporter for the Wilmington Star and the Wilmington News. Later, she worked her way up from copy editor to editor-in-chief at Fleming H. Revell, a small publishing company in New Jersey. She was an author of several books, most notably: When Love Isn’t Easy, Never Alone, Lovebound, and Living Boldly. She wrote articles and packaged books for Guideposts and Daily Guidepost. She also was a ghostwriter and co-authored several books, including That Girl in Your Mirror, The Swan in My Bathtub, and For the Love of Wild Things. She was working on a series entitled When Miracles Happen prior to her death. Phyllis was a regular contributor to Guideposts and following is the story she wrote that appeared on the day she died. MONDAY, JULY 2 “The summer of my final year of college I worked in New York City, a real woman of the world, commuting by bus from my parents’ house in New Jersey. “One evening on the way home from work, the bus came to a stop inside the Lincoln Tunnel. Traffic was at a complete standstill. Word got around: The entire region was in a blackout. “Better get comfortable,”, the driver said. “We aren’t going anywhere for a good long while.” At least my parents would know what was keeping me. “Finally we inched forward. After endless stops and starts, we emerged from the tunnel and slowly made our way to my neighborhood. With street lamps and traffic lights out, I strained my eyes to see as we approached my stop. The candy store on the corner was in darkness, and I dreaded the walk home alone. “I signaled the driver to stop. “Good night,” he said. “You be careful.” I stepped out into the pitch black feeling more like a frightened child than a woman of the world. The bus pulled away. What was that light in the doorway of the candy store? A flashlight. Someone’s there. “Dad!” He reached out and put his arm around me. I started to cry. “How did you know when I’d get here?” I asked. “I didn’t.” Dad said. “But I would have waited all night.” Then he took my hand, and with his flashlight to guide us, we walked home together.” “My father let me know I was safe that night, Father, the way I know I’m always safe with You.--PHYLLIS HOBE.” Phyllis is survived by her loving pets and friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either the Upper Perkiomen Valley Library, 350 Main Street, Red Hill, PA 18076; or to the S.P.C.A., 1059 Sweisford Road, Perkiomenville, PA 18074. Services are private. The Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc, Pennsburg is in charge of arrangements. To express on-line condolences or to make a contribution in Phyllis’ name, visit www.falkfuneralhomes.com.