Sandra Phillips

MIDDLETON-Sandra Rose Phillips, age 71, passed to eternal life on March 15, 2015, at UW Hospital Madison.

Sandra was born September 1, 1942 to Arline (Trinrud nee Hass) and Harold Walbruck in New London, Wi.

After high school graduation, Sandra explored several opportunities, ending up in Madison where she went to work for ATT-Wisconsin Bell Telephone. During her 35+ year career with ATT, Sandra worked in the Engineering Department and Customer Service, where her customer advocacy and work dedication provided her with a long and rewarding career. A lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America, Sandra was proud of her continued affiliation with other ATT employees.

Following her retirement, Sandra pursued a long time dream of returning to school, and graduated from Edgewood College with a Bachelor's degree in Art Therapy. Her beautiful art was shown for several years during the Madison's Artful Women's showings, and her wood carving skills brought her commissioned work in many forms. Sandra's generosity and love of "giving" provided many of her friends with beautiful pieces of her "one of a kind" artwork.

Sandra loved nature, was an avid flower and vegetable gardener and had a special place in her heart for all things home-grown. As a bird lover and animal advocate, nature was often the theme for much of her artwork.

Sandra was a world traveler, visiting Scandinavia, Europe, South America, China and many more spots, with the volunteer organization Santa Good Will Tours, another telephone retiree group. Sandra and her fianc�, Steve, traveled as much as they could durng their years together, enjoying family visits and creating their own adventures. She took great joy in exploring new countries and cultures and made life-long friends wherever she went.

Sandra was a devoted daughter ensuring that her mother's golden years were the best possible. She adored children and was "honorary" godmother to many, and also loved to mentor young women starting out on new ventures.

A people person with a heart of gold, the "hostess with the mostest" who loved to entertain, she had a flair and style all her own, and she will be missed dearly by many.

Sandra is survived by her father Harold Walbruck of Weyauwega, Wi, Steve Nerge, her fianc�, partner and soul mate, her cousins Robert Dailey, Roger Dailey, Gloria Jean Reeves, Donna McCleary, Betty Marshall, former husband Carl Phillips, and many, many friends.

Gathering will be from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at Asbury United Methodist Church, 6101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705 with a celebration of Sandra's life to follow at 11:00 AM with Pastor Harold Zimmick presiding.

Cress Center
6021 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406