Photo courtesy of REED & BENOIT FUNERAL HOME INC
Watertown, New York
Patricia (Patty or Pat) A. Phillips of 352 N. Indiana Avenue, Watertown passed away at 5:15 pm at her home of 75 years surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County.
Two days before Christmas we learned Mother had a large mass in her liver which proved inoperable. Her acceptance was, as with most challenges in her life, was met with logic and grace. Patricia was never afraid to die but she loved life and and did not want to abandon us, empathy towards her family and friends were foremost in her mind.
She was born in Watertown July 28, 1938 as the first child of George F. & Hazel Carr Phillips. Her sister Janet was born the year after. Janet and Patricia had four siblings from their Mother Hazel Carr’s first marriage to John K. Ballantine, sisters Ida M. Lamoreaux and Carol Jean Warner, brothers John and Herb.
She graduated from Watertown High School and started a career in the insurance field at Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. and thereafter moved to Ray Linehan Company, selling insurance for home and business. In later years she and Mike Linehan purchased the business from Ray Linehan, operating same until their retirement and sale to Mclaughlin-Kehoe working 47 years in all.
Always generous with her time for others, she was a long time member of the City of Watertown ZBA, Cardiac Rehabilitation committee chair at Samaritan Medical Center, and Member and Elder of First Presbyterian Church. She was also a long time tender of friends in illness, sitter of cats, dogs, and lost souls.
She is survived by her son, Craig M. Phillips and his married partner Allan Gates; her sisters Janet Phillips of Watertown, Carol Warner of Theresa; and several cousins, nieces, nephews, loving friends, and her loving dog, Fred.
Besides her parents she is predeceased by her siblings, Herbert Ballentine, John Ballentine, Ida Lamoreaux.
The funeral service will be 11:00am Thursday, March 29th at First Presbyterian Church, Rev. Fred Garry officiating. Spring burial will be held in North Watertown Cemetery at a date and time yet to be determined. Calling hours will be from 4-7:00pm Wednesday, March 28th at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Watertown.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her name to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, New York 13601.
Arrangements are with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Inc.
Condolences may be made online at www.reedbenoit.com
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Patricia had that rare quality of being able to talk to someone and make a lasting impression. Pat worked in the same building as my office. She was always friendly and went out of her way to help with insurance questions. Pat was a true friend and always there when you needed help.
Tom Dawley
March 20, 2022 | Watertown, NY | Friend
I can only imagine what she would be saying about this mess we are in! Glass of wine would be in the offing
Nora
March 20, 2020 | Cato, NY
Pat was one of those rare individuals that always had a way of making you smile upon meeting her. We were only occasional friends but every time I met her you could not help but smile. Pat always had something interesting to say. Even today I expect to run into her in the garden section of Lowe's...I would
then say .."Pat I knew it was a joke"...great lady.
Tom Dawley
March 20, 2019 | Watertown, NY | Friend
It has been one long year without you. Even thou you were the one who was ill you always put a spin on it and always put everyone else first, not thinking of yourself. The last time I visited you, you reassured me that you would always still be with me. I may not hear your voice but I have definitely felt your presence. You are always in my heart and thoughts ❤
Norma Loftus
March 20, 2019 | Dexter, NY | Friend
Craig,
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. May you carry all of her fond memories that you shared as you move forward in life until you reunite with her.
John Doe
March 28, 2018 | Virginia Beach, VA
Craig,
Sorry to learn of your mom's passing. She was such a great lady. I remember visiting as a teen in the neighborhood and as an adult taking my own children there to trick or treat. She always remembered those visits and we took time to catch up on how things were in each family. I am sure she will be dearly missed. Remember the good times during this difficult stretch. Condolences to you and the family.
Marty Morrison
March 28, 2018 | Watertown, NY
I started working for The Ray Linehan Agency around 1987. I worked there up until and shortly after Mike Linehan and Patricia Phillips sold the business. I continued to stay in touch with Pat up until the time that she decided she was ready to leave us. She has touched my life in so many ways. I'm so blessed to have had her and have her family in my life. They all have a heart of gold.
Norma Loftus
March 27, 2018 | Dexter, NY
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Pat was a friend and classmate. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Joan Derosia Nusinow
March 27, 2018 | Dayton, OH
sending Janet phillips hugs and prayers
Bonnie Iingalls
March 27, 2018 | Watertown
