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Ysabel Phillips When the late Fred and Ysabel Cram Marquard welcomed their first daughter into the world over nine decades ago, they could have no idea the dynamic, strong, wonderful woman, wife, mother, and grandmother she would become. Ysabel Marquard Phillips passed away peacefully on January 4, 2016, at the age of 93. She was physically and spiritually surrounded by her adoring family. She was preceded in death by her loving parents; younger sister, Mary Margaret Nena Roswell; niece, Ann Roswell; devoted husband of fifty-four years, Kerwin Louis Phillips, and infant son, Matthew. Ysabel is survived by sons: Michael, James, Thomas, Peter, Paul, Joseph and daughters, Ysabel Andrea and Mary Ann. The incredible spouses chosen by her children became her dear friends. As her family grew across generations, 28 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, all revere and love her deeply. Ysabel gifted her children and grandchildren with a beautiful heritage of faithfulness, passion, and love of life; each of them carry these gifts in their very DNA and continue to honor Ysabel's legacy uniquely in their lives. Born in Los Angeles in 1922, Ysabel Josefa Marquard was the last member of the del Valle family to live at their historic home: Rancho Camulos in Piru, California. For over five generations, this prominent Californio family resided at the Rancho with unbroken succession since 1839. Raised in Los Angeles with her younger sister, Nena, Ysabel was a protector, a natural leader, infinitely curious, a gifted athlete, and beautiful adventurer. Ysabel was a three time high school ping pong champion (until her sister beat her), loved volleyball and tennis, and the beach, especially Avila. During World War II, Ysabel served as a Lieutenant with the United States Marine Corps Women's Reserve. Following the war, Ysabel met and married Pismo Beach native, Kerwin L. Phillips, Jr. Shortly after their marriage in 1947, Ki and Yzzy moved to San Luis Obispo where they raised their eight children. Ysabel continued to live in her home until her recent passing on January 4th, 2016, a date that would also have been the couple's 69th wedding anniversary. On the inside of Ki and Yzzy's wedding rings was the word "mizpah"; this Hebrew word united the couple with the reminder that "the Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another." That word is now on the hearts of Ysabel's family as they celebrate her life at 11:00am on January 16th at Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Community Church in San Luis Obispo. A life-long Catholic, Ysabel modeled a life of faith and charity. If you had the privilege to know her, she probably prayed for you as part of her daily practice, a morning routine she honored, especially in the sunset of her life. "You're in my prayers," "Be good to yourself," and "I love you more" were oft-heard refrains when speaking with Ysabel. Throughout her life, Ysabel's warm spirit had a way of drawing you in, making you feel at home, and helped you understand your place in the world a little better because of the trail she forged. Sign her guestbook at sanluisobispo.com/obituaries
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Her Beloved Grandchildren.
Izzy was such a mentor to me...I will remember her always..
Lorraine Loy Berg
February 2, 2016
Gods speed Mrs. P. Condolences to all.
David Boyle
January 27, 2016
Our prayers and sympathies to the Phillips family.
Dick and Wendy Pierce
January 17, 2016
I am grateful to have met this amazing woman and her loving family. God speed Ysabel. You will be missed by many but welcomed by thousands. I pray that those left behind can navigate the coming years without you.
Katherine Switala
January 16, 2016
You will always be a special person to me. I am blessed to have had your light shine in my life, even though it's been many years. Until we meet again.
Danica Lozano
January 16, 2016
Our condolences, prayers, and love for the Phillips family are extended at this time of grieving and remembering.
Julia & Tim Snyder
January 16, 2016
Sorry for your loss, she was a great lady and leaves behind a great family to carry forward all her wonderful qualities.
Jo Ann Switzer
January 16, 2016
What a loss to me personally and San Luis Obispo. Yzzy was a gift in my life, supporting me with her prayers and love. She will be missed by many. I dearly wish that I could be at her memorial on Saturday, but I am out of town. Sending my love and prayers to her family and friends and know that I am with you all in spirit.
Lorie Adoff
January 15, 2016
What a beautiful tribute to one lovely lady! My condolences to the Phillips family!
Connie Baird
January 13, 2016
My sympathy to the family on the death of a very terrific human being who was a dear friend to many. She reflected God's love in her many years with friends and family and will be missed. Blessings to all, FLO TARTAGLIA
FLORENCE TARTAGLIA
January 13, 2016
I'm greatly saddened by the passing of the lady who for many years, I considered my "second mother". I was lucky enough to be part of the crew who were fixtures at the Phillips household through my teenage years. It was always a wild ride, and we were often on the edge of having too much fun. However, Yzzy was always there to steer us back in the right direction.
It is one thing to touch so many people's lives, but it is another altogether, to have such influence on young people through their formidable years. I never met another adult who could connect with teens like Yzzy did.
I will always be thankful for the "discussions" she would chair on topics that teens would probably never initiate on their own. These were some of our first forays into attempting to develop an intellectual perspective on anything in life.
When problems arose, she could be both tough and forgiving to her kids and their friends. But no matter what transpired, you were always welcome back. I have no doubt that those experiences developed character, maturity, and self reliance for all of us. Thank you, Yzzy, for sharing your wisdom and strength with so many. What a great lady, what a great life!
With the greatest love and respect, rest in peace.
Jim Miller
January 13, 2016
If you grew up in San Luis in the fifties, sixties and seventies you could not escape knowing the Phillips family. The energy that emanated from 310 Cerro Romauldo Dr. reverberated out to reach the furthest boundries of San Luis Obispo for decades. Ki and Issy imbued their troop of eight children with an indefatigable spirit of confidence and genuineness. This was not lost on the many who befriended the Phillips family. As Ki would go off to work each day at the sporting goods store it was Issy's task to ensure that the troop of eight children stayed "between the chalk lines". And, boy, was she accomplished at doing that! This "umpiring" also extended to all of the many friends that palled around with the Phillips kids. So, in a very real sense, Issy was a mother to many of us at one time or another. There were many wonderful qualities in Issy, the list is very long. However, Issy had one rather powerful ability that she employed regularly when she felt it was warranted. It was "THE LOOK". Issy was extremely intuitive. Even to the extent of seemingly knowing what you were thinking at any given moment. And, acting on her intuition, if she felt you were about to "hit a foul ball", you got "THE LOOK" and you knew that it was time for a rethink if you got it. Issy was our conscience for many of us. And wasn't she good at being that. Issy was a gift and a joy to know. We will not see the likes of her anytime soon. God Bless You Ysabel Phillips
Kenny Baird
January 13, 2016
Condolences to the PHILLIPS FAMILY
Tonia Harrell
January 13, 2016
My sympathy to the family. As Jesus looked to the Heavenly Father for strength and power in his time of deep sorrow, may you do the same. John 11:39-44
M R
January 13, 2016
A true Californio! It's difficult to lose folks like Ms. Phillips who truly made SLO. May her soul live in eternal peace and happiness. My condolences to her family.
Matthew Herrera
January 12, 2016
My sympathies to you Jim and to the entire Phillips family.
Diane Lungo
January 12, 2016
Oh, Yzzy, how lucky we were to have you in our lives. Thinking of you has always put a smile on my face. Today there are some tears but how can they last when I know you lived a full life. Your beautiful spirit will remain in my heart. Thank you.
Vicki Carroll
January 12, 2016
I think Ysabel Phillips was one of the first friends my Mom made when moving to San Luis Obispo in 1950. One of my earliest memories, maybe age 3 or 4 in 1955-56 or so, was being left at the Phillips house for some short period of time. I'm not sure why I was dropped off, but I was scared to be left without my mom. I remember Mrs. Phillips being very kind and gentle to calm my child fears. I also remember what seemed like lots of kids, some older, some my age, with the older ones being nice to me and showing me how to feed the dog. That says a lot about raising children to have a heart for those younger. Something which has always been hard for mothers to pass on their children in any time or place. We lived on Daly Avenue, across the street where the service will be held. When ever we took Cerro Romauldo as the route home from downtown, we would always say, "There's Ysabel Phillips house!"
Kevin Walsh
January 12, 2016
Kevin McReynolds said it well - I try not to start my day in tears, but the obituary for Ysabel turned on the water works. The last sentence is the best. "Throughout her life, Ysabel's warm spirit had a way of drawing you in, making you feel at home, and helped you understand your place in the world a little better because of the trail she forged." She made me a better person, and appreciate my role in our San Luis community. Me deepest condolences to the Phillips family.
Bruce Tedone
January 12, 2016
I try not to begin my day in tears, but this morning it could not be helped. What a truly outstanding tribute to a beautiful person. My favorite Ysabel refrain, upon telling her it was good to see her, was "It's good to be seen!". Her wit and wisdom will be sorely missed, but live on in her children and grandchildren.
Kevin McReynolds
January 12, 2016
She was a very special lady and will be missed by many.
Kathy Slaughter Copeland
January 12, 2016
Condolences to the Phillips family
Larry Souza Jr.
January 12, 2016
Damned fine obit! I've written a couple myself, and this equals, or, dare I say, surpasses those efforts!
January 12, 2016
Ysabel was a beautiful person ... Always with a warm smile ... She truly was "one of the all time greats !"
Mary Ann Statler
January 12, 2016
My sincere sympathy on hearing of the passing of Mrs. Phillips I spent many a day at their house while I was in high school. I went to school with Mike, Jim, Tom, and Mary Ann. I knew her other children. May she rest in peace.
Richard Hoerntlein
January 12, 2016
I first became acquainted with the Pismo Beach Philllips family in 1954 when I went to work for the California Division of Highways. Assigned to a field survey crew, our instrument man was Hank Carder. Hank was married to Rosita Phillips, whose family owned the service station in Pismo Beach on what was then US Highway 101. If I recall, Ki Phillips ran the service station, which may have had a sporting goods store attached. Wonderful memories of a wonderful family and Pismo Beach. I believe my old friend Hank Carder passed away in 1982 after working for Madonna Construction Company.
Bill Cattaneo
January 12, 2016
Our condolences to Ysabel's family. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Bill Cattaneo
January 12, 2016
A truly wonderful woman!
Jim Smith
January 12, 2016
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