Lucille Phillips

Lucille ("Lucy") Margaret Phillips, age 94, passed away peacefully at Capitol Lakes Health Center on September 29, 2014. Lucy was born on June 6, 1920 in Baldwin, WI to Selmer and Sadie (Wilford) Myron. Lucy often pointed out that she was born in the year that women gained the right to vote. Along with her older sister Jeanne, Lucy's childhood was spent in Baldwin where their father was the depot agent for the Chicago NW line and their mother was a third and fourth grade teacher. Besides immersing themselves in school affairs, the family enjoyed other small-town activities.
After graduating from Baldwin High School in 1938, Lucy continued her education at The Stout Institute in Menomonie, WI (later renamed University of Wisconsin-Stout), graduating in Home Economics Education in 1942. She taught home economics at Orfordville and Middleton High Schools. As a lecturer in health education with the State Board of Health, she traveled throughout Wisconsin, mentoring and instructing young women. In 1945, while a graduate student in recreation therapy and working part time at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio, Lucy met Robert ("Bob") V. Phillips, who had recently returned from military service in the South Pacific during WWII.
Bob and Lucy were married on September 4, 1948 in Lucy's hometown church in Baldwin. After relocating to Madison, Lucy and Bob built a new home, where they enjoyed various neighborhood activities, including the Hill Farm Pool and dancing, while their children grew up and attended local schools. In 1967, Lucy returned to school in the UW-Madison Department of Curriculum and Instruction, eventually earning a Master's Degree in Health Education. Subsequently, she worked for the Dane County Mental Health Center as a family life educator. Lucy's 19 years in the field included collaborative projects with MATC marriage education and WHA-TV producing parent-education programs. She had a passion for her work in communications, especially when teaming with associates on complex projects.
In addition to her career, Lucy enjoyed volunteering for church and school activities. Lucy was dedicated to education as well as to serving her family and community. She considered herself fortunate to see her children grow to adulthood and become contributing members of Madison and area life. She was an enthusiastic participant in a variety of sports and outdoor activities with family and friends. Lucy often contended that the troubles of the world were primarily due to lack of imagination, creativity, and in-depth relationships. She was blessed with many lifelong friends. One recently wrote, "To my dear friend Lucy, who is a wonderful example of how to get along with everybody and make them feel valued." Lucy was an avid reader and vivid writer who enjoyed playing violin and piano, preparing menus in anticipation of entertaining family and friends, and gardening. She delighted in bringing her family together for gatherings.
Lucy was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, PEO, Madison Home Economics Association; former board member of Dane County Mental Health Association, Wisconsin Family Life Association (past President), National Council on Family Relations, Friends of Channel 21 (first Vice President), Dane County Council on Family Living, and Women's Architectural League (past President).
Lucy is survived by her three children, Vicki (Alan) Lettow, Kathy (Jim) Anderson, and Bob Phillips (Megan Caldwell); seven grandchildren Scott (Karen) Lettow, Dana (Tim) Wagner, Stacy (Zach) Moneypenny, Ryan (Andrea) Anderson, Craig (fianc�e Melissa Carmichael) Anderson, Robby and Nimi Phillips. Her longevity allowed her to live to love eight great grandchildren: Kyle and Michaela Lettow, Cal, Reece, and Sydney Wagner, Connor and Landry Anderson, and Andrew (AJ) Moneypenny. She is also survived by two nieces, Linda (Ron) Huntington and Susan (Bernard) Ode-Lubin, whom she referred to as "treasures".
Lucy was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, sister Jeanne (Louis) Ode, and daughter-in-law Carla M. Phillips.
A celebration of Lucy's life will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Madison at 2 PM on Saturday November 8, 2014. Friends and family are invited to an informal reception at the church immediately following the service.
Lucy's family wishes to thank the staff at Capitol Lakes Health Center and Agrace Hospice Care for their loving care and support through her end of life journey. Memorials may be sent to Agrace Hospice Care 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, Covenant Presbyterian Church 326 S. Segoe Rd. Madison, WI 53705, or WHA-TV Wisconsin Public Television 821 University Ave Madison, WI 53706.