April 8, 2015
April 8, 2015
Happy Birthday Lynn
We celebrate the life of Lynn Phillips, beloved wife of Eric Phillips, loving mother to John, Doug, Jim, and Dave Phillips and daughters-in-law Christine, Marlene, Carol and Alice and caring grandmother to Lauren, Jeffrey, Bryant, David, Audrey, Liz, Katie, Jack, and Julia Phillips and great grandmother to Owen Phillips.
Helen Lynnette Laundy was born in Berkeley, California in 1928. She grew up in east bay cities Hayward, Oakland and Berkeley. The middle of three sisters, Margie, Lynette, and Ellie were cared for by parents Dorothy and Lynne and later by Dorothy alone when Lynne died in 1934. Childhood was in the midst of the Great Depression and any family with a single mother struggled to get by. Lynnette learned to be frugal and never wasteful and kept those lessons throughout her life.
She attended Oakland High School and went on to the University of California in Berkeley feeling fortunate that such a major university was located right in her own backyard. At Cal she met Eric Phillips, fell in love and was married in 1950. The young couple started married life in Santa Maria where Eric was a geologist for Gulf Oil and Lynette taught kindergarten. Her teaching career lasted until first baby John arrived but after a break to raise her own children she returned to teaching, always with kindergarteners. Her school in Bakersfield was in a low income area and she found great reward in helping many underpriviledged kids get a start in their education.
Over the years, Lynette became Lynn and together with Eric and sons John, Doug, Jim, and Dave the Phillips family moved around the country as Eric's career advanced. They lived in Ventura, Bakersfield, Tyler, Houston, Oklahoma City, Casper and finally San Ramon where Eric retired from Chevron. In retirement they moved to El Dorado Hills to be close to son Dave and his family.
Eric passed away in September 2014 after 64 years of marriage and the loss was very hard for Lynn. Certainly a broken heart was a major contributor and Lynn passed away less that four months later.
She saw much in her life and lived in a great variety of places in the US. She traveled to Hawaii, Europe, Central America and Africa to visit sisters and sons. She participated in the American Association of University Women, Newcomers and numerous book clubs and bridge clubs. She raised four energetic boys and enjoyed her life as grandmother to nine grandchildren. But probably her greatest joy was her marriage to her life-long love Eric.
Mom, Gran, we will all miss you so very much.
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Memorial page for Eric Harold Phillips
Tributes
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April 8, 2015
April 8, 2015
Remembering you Mom on your birthday. It's a beautiful spring day and the Masters golf tournament starts tomorrow. You would be tuning in for sure.
February 19, 2015
February 19, 2015
I loved getting to know you at the assisted living facility. I was a caregiver for Lynn. She was my favorite resident and would always comfort her when she was upset about her husband's passing. I miss you Lynn. Thank you for showing me a goodbye in the hospital on the day of your passing. That was a miracle from God. I know now you are in heaven smiling down on me and you are with your husband again. Love you, Cristina
January 16, 2015
January 16, 2015
Laura and I want you to know how much we cared for both Eric and Lynn. We send or heart felt condolence. We know the apparent sudden passing of Lynn had to be devastating.
We loved both Eric and Lynn. She was so supportive and encouraging when she was able to get to the Center when Eric was playing. They will be missed.
We will keep you and your family in our prayers. We ask that the Lord gives your strength and perseverance in dealing with this difficult time.
May the memory of your loved ones
of happy times,
of joyful smiles,
of hearty laughter
and caring words
Help you through this sorrowful time.
God Bless
Frank & Laura Iarossi
We loved both Eric and Lynn. She was so supportive and encouraging when she was able to get to the Center when Eric was playing. They will be missed.
We will keep you and your family in our prayers. We ask that the Lord gives your strength and perseverance in dealing with this difficult time.
May the memory of your loved ones
of happy times,
of joyful smiles,
of hearty laughter
and caring words
Help you through this sorrowful time.
God Bless
Frank & Laura Iarossi
January 13, 2015
January 13, 2015
It's difficult for me to express in words how much Gran meant to me growing up and how much she still means to me now. The main word that comes to mind, is just special. Gran was special. She was the kindest, most soft spoken woman in the world, yet she had this fire to her at the same time. It was always so easy to talk to her, and she was always so interested in our lives. She could talk to me forever about my sorority or what current boy was in my life, it was like talking to a girlfriend that had the most hilarious advice. I still can't believe she's really gone, but I truly hope she has found peace with Grandad. I wear the ring she gave me when I turned 16 every day, and I try to embody her caring personality and her ability to always put others first.
January 13, 2015
January 13, 2015
I greatly admired dear Lynn. She tried so hard to courageously put her "chin up" when she was missing her husband, despite her deep sadness. She poked fun at herself in a way that made me realize how self-aware she was. She had such a great sense of humor! And she never failed to make me feel comfortable, though I am a relative newcomer to the family. I know she and Eric are definitely with us in spirit for the long haul. We miss them!
January 10, 2015
January 10, 2015
We will truly miss Auntie Lynne and her gentle way. We always enjoyed when they would visit and have a chance to get the families together. Will always remember how Auntie Lynne went along with all eight of us and a german shepherd piling into the car and going camping for weeks. Such patience and love.
January 9, 2015
January 9, 2015
I am rewriting this as I had to go through Facebook before and I'm not sure if it was included.
Growing up in Canada, we were always very excited when Aunt Dorrie would bring our "American" cousins to visit in Victoria. I remember that Lynette was 12 and I was 6 and I thought she was the prettiest girl I had ever seen! Years later when my husband and I moved to Northridge, Ca with our 4 kids, we were able to make more contacts and had several great visits together in their various homes in California. Lynn and Eric will be dearly missed by all the family and their many friends.
Growing up in Canada, we were always very excited when Aunt Dorrie would bring our "American" cousins to visit in Victoria. I remember that Lynette was 12 and I was 6 and I thought she was the prettiest girl I had ever seen! Years later when my husband and I moved to Northridge, Ca with our 4 kids, we were able to make more contacts and had several great visits together in their various homes in California. Lynn and Eric will be dearly missed by all the family and their many friends.
January 8, 2015
January 8, 2015
Lynette and I had a shared interest in our grandchildren lauren and jeffrey. She always reminded me of how "lucky we were to have them be so beautiful and smart." It was my pleasure to have known her. She was a wonderful person, and I am sure that the family will be comforted in the difficult days ahead by many happy memories.
Naomi Urbina
Naomi Urbina
January 7, 2015
January 7, 2015
From John: I learned so much from my Mom, and always felt loved. Random memories of her: Explaining the 1960 Democratic convention to me, remarking that "that guy we thought was too young won". Me playing army and wishing I had some K-rations, and then finding "K-rations" made of rolled bread and cheese waiting for me in the frig. Me petrified, watching neighborhood punks yelling at the boy with polio, throwing rocks at him to make him "dance", and then my Mom storming out of the house and chasing them away. Me playing a role in a Tyler play that called for me to be bald (ahead of my time), and Mom figuring out a way to make it happen with a cut-down stocking. Mom making us cocoa and cinnamon toast after the movies. Mom sharing a joke with Dad, kissing him when he went away for an overnight hospital stay, telling us boys that he needed support when work was stressing him out. Dad telling us that he hoped we would all find someone like "your Momma" to marry. And most recently, Mom simply being inconsolable because the love of her life was gone. I'll miss my Mom an awful lot, but I hope she's happy now up there somewhere with Dad.
January 6, 2015
January 6, 2015
Losing a parent is always tragic, but losing two loved ones in such a short time, is devastating. We can only offer you and your entire family our deepest
sympathy. Our time spent with your Mom and Dad was always pleasant and their love for each other wonderful to see. I remember your Mom showing us the good
work your Dad did on the Hornet emblem. We were so impressed and also blown away by the neatness of the garage. She told us that whenever they visited you
boys, the first thing you all did was to clean the garage! At bridge, your Mom would say something and your Dad always began with "Now Lynnette". When we visited
your Mom and Dad after they moved away, it was obvious they were happy being close to you and the grandchildren. Lynn was into bridge and a book club right
away and Eric happy with his new house and, of course, his banjo. We especially enjoyed reading the story of both of their lives and we were privileged to be a small part it. Our prayers are with you all.
Dottie and Jim
sympathy. Our time spent with your Mom and Dad was always pleasant and their love for each other wonderful to see. I remember your Mom showing us the good
work your Dad did on the Hornet emblem. We were so impressed and also blown away by the neatness of the garage. She told us that whenever they visited you
boys, the first thing you all did was to clean the garage! At bridge, your Mom would say something and your Dad always began with "Now Lynnette". When we visited
your Mom and Dad after they moved away, it was obvious they were happy being close to you and the grandchildren. Lynn was into bridge and a book club right
away and Eric happy with his new house and, of course, his banjo. We especially enjoyed reading the story of both of their lives and we were privileged to be a small part it. Our prayers are with you all.
Dottie and Jim
January 5, 2015
January 5, 2015
Gran was a wonderful grandmother and a warm family matriarch. She never failed to remember a birthday and was always encouraging me to reach my goals. She will be remembered fondly and sorely missed.
January 4, 2015
January 4, 2015
I wanted to let you know how sad we were to hear of Lynn’s passing. It must be so difficult to loose both your parents in such a short time span. We were so very fond of this couple and, quite honestly, we always thought of them as a “couple.” They were so proud of their family and always talked so highly of their four boy and their daughters-in-law and grand children. It is hard to imagine a more gracious and charming couple.
Ron & Peggy Lawrence
Ron & Peggy Lawrence
January 4, 2015
January 4, 2015
My memories of Gran and Grandad were always good, and I learned or perfected many of my early skills at their house in San Ramone. They were the glue that held the Phillips clan together and made it strong, and they've successfully passed on the ingrained desire to always place family first. While Grandad was the man with all the knowledge who could always be consulted on anything, Gran was the guide who gave us gentle encouragement and unwavering support. I wouldn't be the man I am today without their love, and now it's time to pass on their life lessons to my son.
January 3, 2015
January 3, 2015
Thank you for letting me know about the passing of your mother Lynn. She and you Dad were special to all of us in that Chevron couples bridge club. The sadness we feel will be compensated just knowing they are together again. I have kept the ‘things to do in memory of Eric’ on my night stand and read it a lot and can just hear him giving this advice. Now I will think of them both with such fond memories and especially when I am eating an ice cream Drumstick! Marge and Al Hudock
January 3, 2015
January 3, 2015
Growing up with the Phillips family on our street I was lucky to get to experience Lynn as a neighbor, second mom, and as a teacher. Knowing I was considering early childhood education she invited me to visit her classroom and I was hooked. I am so thankful for everything teaching has brought into my life since. Forever grateful.
January 2, 2015
January 2, 2015
Lynn and Eric were like two peas in a pod. Always together and always in love. I miss both of them. Eric was the one in the band that always encouraged me in my singing and songs. Lynn was such a sweetheart. I loved them both. Their love story and marriage was one that only one could dream about. Lynn sure could give lots of good warm hugs. We also laughed a lot about many things. They are now together forever.
Connie Backers, from the Senior Band.
Connie Backers, from the Senior Band.
January 2, 2015
January 2, 2015
Gran was an icon of my childhood. We saw her and Grandad a few times each year and it was always like reaching a new milepost on my way to growing up. Hers and Grandad's passing feels like it marks the official end of my childhood.
She was the warmest, kindest grandmother I could have asked for. She'll be missed and remembered lovingly.
She was the warmest, kindest grandmother I could have asked for. She'll be missed and remembered lovingly.
January 2, 2015
January 2, 2015
I can still hear her saying, "Oh, Honey." I'm sure she said that at some point in my last conversation with her and in every other conversation I had with her. I always appreciated the way she encouraged my love of reading and delighted in having a girl in the family. I was so lucky to have her as an aunt.
January 1, 2015
January 1, 2015
The gentle, soft spoken sister of my love of life, Lynnette is remembered a one who I never hear raise her voice to make her thoughts known, A chuckle had to be earned with more than just an old joke, but chuckle she provided when earned. She generously shared her love with all, but very deeply with all the members of the clan.
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Recent Tributes
April 8, 2015
April 8, 2015
Happy Birthday Lynn
April 8, 2015
April 8, 2015
Remembering you Mom on your birthday. It's a beautiful spring day and the Masters golf tournament starts tomorrow. You would be tuning in for sure.
February 19, 2015
February 19, 2015
I loved getting to know you at the assisted living facility. I was a caregiver for Lynn. She was my favorite resident and would always comfort her when she was upset about her husband's passing. I miss you Lynn. Thank you for showing me a goodbye in the hospital on the day of your passing. That was a miracle from God. I know now you are in heaven smiling down on me and you are with your husband again. Love you, Cristina
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Recent stories
Children
January 2, 2015
I think my mom was surprised when I got married, in part because I was pretty young (23) and in part because I was marrying someone very different than my family (and I'm quite glad I did). But there was clearly something beneficial to my early marriage and that was early grandchildren for her. Throughout her life Mom was surrounded by children, sometimes her own boys, sometimes her kindergarten kids, sometimes her grandchildren, and most recently her great-grandson Owen. And I think that's how she wanted things to be in her life. Children as the focus. It's important to exclude the last couple of years because old age causes people to focus on their own ailments but if I think about her whole life, I see children as major theme.
When my son David was born, Mom booked her ticket and arrived in Seattle to help Marlene & me handle the new baby. This was particularly important because Bryant was 3 years old and needed attention - hard to provide with a new baby in the house. At the time we lived in a two story house in Kirkland and the lower floor was under construction - by me. It was not much more than framing and cinder block but I was building out the new bathroom and I think I had just installed the bath tub. One day I was at work and I think Marlene & David were at a doctor's appointment with Mom & Bryant at home. I'm not sure what happened but suddenly the new plumbing burst and a flood ensued. Mom was frantic with no way to shut off the water and no one else around to help! I got a call, came home and we got the water fixed, but for decades later she told us the story of the house flood as though it were the major event that happened that day. But I see things differently. The story was not the flood but rather her coming to our house to take care of Bryant, allowing Marlene to focus on David and me to continue with work. Thank you Mom.
Throughout her life children seems a central theme.