Marie Phillips

Marie Phillips

Fletcher - Marie Phillips left an indelible mark - and a continuing force of inspiration - on our world when she left to join the angels Monday, October 29, 2012 prior to the "storm of the century" (Hurricane Sandy). Her journey revealed a courage and strength that was an example for all to witness. She left those behind with a life more meaningful by her example. Her generosity, sense of humor, love for her family and friends lives on in those she has left for now. She enjoyed every day of her long life, always looking for the positive in everything and confronting life's challenges with grace. Always an advocate of keeping fit she encouraged other seniors to remain active in their "golden years."

Born to the late Joseph and Mae Dishaw Morrissey November 4, 1916 in Rochester, New York, she lived the early part of her life in the Finger Lakes region prior to moving to the Fletcher area in 1974 with her marriage to Ward Phillips. Co-owner of Western Carolina Productions Inc. they worked tirelessly in producing stage and area events in Western North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina until 1991.

Marie was predeceased by first husband, Sgt. Frank Donovan of the New York State BCI in 1969 and second husband, Ward Phillips in 1997, as well as a brother, Kenneth Morrissey.

Retiring from the VA Hospital after 20 years of service as an LPN, she continued to work at Thoms Hospital for several years. She was a long standing member of the Lions Club and Fletcher United Methodist Church.

Marie is survived by a daughter, Nora Sheehan and husband, Dennis, of Weaverville; son, Franklin Donovan of Fletcher; step-son, Bill Phillips and wife, Laurie, of Rochester, New York; grandchildren, Mark and wife, Yumiko, of Nabari, Japan, Dr. Christine Boshart-Adamson and husband, Per, of Conesus, New York, Megan Cavo of Avon, New York; and step-grandchildren, Chad Phillips and wife, Lynne, and Chelsea Phillips of Rochester, New York; and special nieces and nephews and many caring friends.

To continue "Grandma Wrinkles" story are her cherished great-grandchildren: Sabrina Adamson, Caden and Owen Cavo, and Taishi and Mathew Boshart. They were the love of her life and she never tired talking about them.

The family thanks the Sammy Williams Senior Center for their continuous love, companionship & wonderful activities through the years & CarePartners Hospice for their friendship, guidance and help in making Marie's life continue to be happy in her declining health.

A Celebration of Life will be held in New York State at the family's convenience.

Memorials may be made to CarePartners Hospice, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813, or to the Sammy Williams Senior Center, 301 N. Justice St., Hendersonville, NC 28793.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family and the online register is available at www.grocefuneralhome.com.