Obituary of Edith S. Phillips

LOUDONVILLE – Edith S. Phillips, formerly of East Hartford and New Hartford, CT, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 6, at Loudonville Assisted Living in Loudonville, NY.  She was the wife of 50 years, of the late Carmen J. Phillips.

Born February 14, 1918 in Wethersfield, CT, daughter of the late Onorato and Carmela Spirito, she lived most of her life in the greater Hartford area of Connecticut, prior to moving to Delmar, NY in 2006. She was blessed with a full and happy life of 100 years.

Edith was mother to Lawrence Phillips and his wife Anne of Avon, CT, Nancy P. Whitehead of Cornelius, NC, Claudia P. Summers and her husband Brian of Glenmont, NY and William Phillips of Smithfield, RI.  She was also the grandmother to eight grandchildren, and great-grandmother to eleven great-grandchildren, all of whom were the joy of her life.  She is also survived by her sister, Maria Perreault of Manchester, CT.

Defined by her strong faith, and love of family, Edith had an amazing spirit that touched so many lives.  From her early years as a Ship-to-Shore Operator for the Telephone Company in Hartford, to her role as a farmer’s wife in the CT River Valley, Edith took joy in connecting with people.  As much as she truly enjoyed her hobbies of antiques, sewing, and home decorating, it was actually in retirement that she found the perfect outlet, singing for more than 30 years in community chorus both in CT and NY, bringing music and fellowship to senior audiences.  Throughout her last three years in “assisted living”, Edith remained a vibrant personality, befriending all.

Edith’s family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Terrace at Beverwyck, and particularly Loudonville Assisted Living for their friendship, support and sensitive caring while Edith was in their residences.

Friends and family may pay respects Saturday morning, September 15, beginning at 9 am, in the Gathering Hall of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Delmar, NY.  A memorial service will follow at 10 am in the adjacent chapel.

Following the memorial service, a graveside burial service will take place at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Torrington, CT.  Arrival at the cemetery is scheduled for approximately 3 pm that same day.

Also, in lieu of flowers, Edith has requested that donations be made to Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Ave., Albany, NY  12208.