SANDY SPRING, MD. — Phyllis Roesch Forman, 89, of Sandy Spring, Maryland, passed away on Monday, April 7, 2015.

She was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on Jan. 31, 1926, the daughter of Pearl (Walter) and Harry R. Roesch. Phyllis was the youngest of four children.

Phyllis spent a large portion of her life overseas working on community development projects in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Thailand. She began her career as a missionary in India teaching reading and writing to villagers in Hindi. There she met and married her husband, Kenneth Forman. Later, while both were working for Save the Children in Bangladesh, Phyllis started the Women’s Program that empowered women by encouraging them to collectively start small businesses with the first micro-loans. This was a major accomplishment in a male-dominated society.

When back in the States, Phyllis and Ken lived in a cottage on Sand Pond in Denmark, that they graciously shared with family and friends. Always concerned about the environment, Phyllis was instrumental in establishing Denmark’s Recycling Center at the Transfer Station.

Phyllis was predeceased by her son, Bruce, a resident of Denmark and a graduate of Fryeburg Academy; her husband, Kenneth; and three brothers, Franklin, Harry and James.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews, including Chris and Nelson Gouterman and Amy March of Denmark.

Family and friends will be celebrating her life this summer.

Gifts in Phyllis’ honor may be sent to the Friends’ House Nursing Home staff with “Staff Appreciation Fund” on the memo line. Please mail your check to: Friends House Residents Association, 17340 Quaker Lane, Sandy Spring, MD 20860.