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Elizabeth Phillips Obituary
January 12, 1967 - August 8, 2025
Newark, California - Beth Phillips, recently of Newark, CA, whose life was dedicated to serving others, passed away unexpectedly at age 58. Having grown up in Kansas City, she graduated in the last female class of Sunset Hill School (now Pembroke Hill) in1985. She was a leader in the youth program at St. Andrews Episcopal Church and retained lifelong contact with many school friends and the church ministry of that era. Leaving the nest, she gained her B.A. degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1989 followed by her J. D. degree in 1992. She practiced law with her mother, Sue Phillips, representing individuals in the firm Phillips and Phillips. Eventually, she moved to Colorado to become legal counsel for private corporations in Aspen and their families. Her office was at the base of Ajax where she and her Bassett hound would share the view of the mountain.
After many faithful years seeking justice in the legal field, Beth followed a deep calling into the ministry of the Episcopal Church. She earned her Master of Divinity degree from Yale in 2013, with a semester abroad at Cambridge University and an internship in New York at Trinity Church on Wall Street. Her ministry began as an Assistant Priest at Christ Church Warwick in the Hudson River Valley before she was called to Rector at Christ Church Portola Valley- Woodside, California, a position she held for eight years.
In California Beth met and married the love of her life, Charlie Mabie, a lifelong resident of the Bay area. Her final and most personal calling led her to hospital chaplaincy and hospice service. "Mother Beth" as she had become known, began serving as a Priest and Chaplain at the Episcopal Diocese of California in San Francisco in the fall of 2023. Her work expanded to include roles as Priest and Chaplain Resident at Stanford University Health Care and Chaplain at nearby Pathways Home Health and Hospice where she served until her passing.
Beth's life was defined by her unwavering commitment to those in need. While in college, she served on the board of The Bridge, an urban non-profit providing group foster care for at-risk youth. She later took on personal responsibility for a 12-year-old boy, Abdul Alim, mentoring him from grade school through high school to proudly see him go on to graduate from the University of Alabama. Most recently, she and Charlie fostered a State Department-sponsored unaccompanied minor refugee from Guinea until he aged out of the program, helping him through high school this past year. Mother Beth's legacy is one of profound kindness, a reminder of how one person's empathy can create a butterfly effect of good in the world.
Beth is survived by her husband, Charlie Mabie of Newark, CA and locally, her father, John R. Phillips; her mother, Paula Sue Phillips; her brother, Jonathan R. Phillips, his wife, Marlo, and their children, Olivia, Grant, and Josephine.
Memorial services will be held in California and Kansas City on September 26 and October 3 respectively. Times are yet to be determined.
In memory of her earliest charitable work with at-risk youth and her most recent passions, memorial contributions in her name to one of the following are suggested.
Ozanam https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/donate/,.
St. Luke's Hospice House. https://www.stlukeshospice.com/other-ways-to-donate, or.
Pathways Home Health and Hospice. https://donate.givedirect.org/?cid=12196.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Elizabeth Phillips
Sponsored by Kansas City Star.
Maureen Dulen
September 7, 2025
My deepest condolences to Charlie and all of Beth's family. Beth and I became good friends during our law school years. She was always full of life and ready for a good laugh, as well offering kindness and friendship to so many.
Looking back at her many posts over the years that she generously shared, I am reminded of how full her life was. May the memories of you share of this precious life comfort you in this time of loss.
Tom Gunn
August 28, 2025
My best thoughts to the Phillips family, neighbors for many years and friends for nearly 50.
John Tease
August 25, 2025
"Beth's legacy is one of profound kindness, a reminder of how one person's empathy can create a butterfly effect of good in the world."
"Nothing is ever wholly lost
That which is excellence remains forever part of the universe"
Love you Beth
Lori A. Clow
August 22, 2025
Beth and I became friends the very first day we met in Cannes, France in 1989, and from that moment on, she has been such a beautiful part of my life. We shared a room in school, instantly bonded over our love for France and travel, and began collecting memories that I will treasure forever. Together we wandered through Europe, and every adventure with was filled with laughter, discovery, and her unique spark that made everything more magical.
One unforgettable moment was when her parents visited and generously treated us to a getaway in Florence-such a gift of time together. We managed to also train to Amsterdam, Rome, Venice, Paris...and so many other places (despite our class schedule!!).
What makes those memories so dear is not just the places we visited, but Beth´s endless curiosity, her joyful spirit, and her genuine heart that cared so deeply for others. She had a way of making every experience richer.
Since that time, Beth has been a cherished friend throughout all these years, and my heart will miss her beyond words. May she rest peacefully now. Until we meet again, ma chère amie.
John and Diane Deadwyler
August 19, 2025
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. We are here John and family for you if you need anything. With love and prayers, John and Diane Deadwyler
Judy Ancel
August 17, 2025
Beth was for a few years a volunteer on the Heartland Labor Forum, the weekly radio show on KKFI. She brought us her legal knowledge and passion for people whose rights had been violated. She was a good friend and supporter during that period in her life.
Nancy Dippell
August 17, 2025
So very sad to lose a friend, but memories of her beautiful smile will help. Beth and I were in law school together, and though we didn´t see each other or talk frequently, when we did it was always like "the old days". My heart goes out to Charlie and all Beth´s other family. Especially, special thoughts to her nieces and nephew as I know how much she loved you all.
Terrie Bossert
August 17, 2025
I am shocked and saddened to learn of Beth´s death. The Phillips were neighbors from 1977 to 1998. We shared some good times with John and Sue. My son and Jonathan were buddies. I was not aware of Bern´s ministry and her many accomplishments. Our prayers to John and Sue. You must be so very proud of your daughter.
Stu and Kaethe
August 17, 2025
A wonderful and caring friend.
Erin Embry
August 17, 2025
My heart goes out to Beth´s family and especially her beloved husband Charlie and son Abdul. Beth was one of the funniest and kindest people I have ever met. Her smile and laughter were contagious. Sending hugs and peace to her loved ones,
Lisa Mazzella
August 17, 2025
I knew Mother Beth when she lived in Warwick NY. We lived in the same apartment building. I remember her as a kind sweet and beautiful person. I remember her basset hounds. Her sweet soul will be missed greatly. My prayers are with her husband and family. Heaven has a new Angel.
Alesia Riehl
August 17, 2025
I leased her horse Cooper. He was a wild dark bay though bred gelding that she loved but didn't have time to ride. With time,patience and a good program he turned into a lovely creature.Beth and I had a deep horse connection.
Donna Dickson
August 17, 2025
John, Sue and Jonathan,
I´m so sad to learn of Beth´s passing. She was incredibly accomplished. So loved and will be missed by many. Sending much love and hugs.
Jessica Pasmore
August 17, 2025
The world has lost one of the good ones! I have known Beth basically our whole lives. We were obnoxious children, naughty teenagers, and a little better as we grew up.
My deepest condolences to her family, Charlie, Sue, John, and her brother Jon and his family. I will miss her laugh and her positive outlook on life.
Jessie
Wendy
August 17, 2025
Although I was not afforded the opportunity to know Beth well, she was married to one of my dearest, long-time friends. Charlie and I have known each other through every up and down life has had to throw at us, and I had never seen him as happy and as much himself as he was with Beth. Her loss is profound for so many, and I am so thankful I had the chance to spend time with her, and to witness the beautiful life she and Charlie shared.
Carrie
August 16, 2025
Beth was one of the kindest souls I have ever known. The love shared between Charlie and Beth was one only others can dream of. Beth was so full of compassion and patience. Most recently, I brought some homemade jam to Beth at her home. When the front door opened, their dog Clementine escaped and started to run down the street. Beth calmly started following Clementine with treat in hand, trying to coax her back to the house. I caught up with Beth and we pretty much walked one full block before Clementine came for the treat. Beth picked up Clementine with no anger or frustration and began to walk back home. I will always remember this moment with Beth because I saw first hand the kind of person she was. Me and my husband were truly heartbroken when we heard about Beth´s tragic ending on earth. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel. We will always have fond memories of Beth that lives on in our hearts. My deepest condolences to Charlie, Abdul, and the whole family.
Wendy Effertz
August 16, 2025
This is bittersweet. On the sweet, I will always, remember a stunningly beautiful, smart and very much alive, family friend, who visited our nearby house and was friends with my big sis Shannon. She also was an excellent equestrian, and her show pony's name was Snapshot. We grew up, each moving out of state, but connected on Facebook much later on. And then she and Charlie were married, and I could just feel the love, the friendship and the excellent companionship that they shared together. It seeming was the perfect love. She will be sadly missed, and through her holiness, she is most definitely in the heavens, continuing her Godly work with our Lord. God Bless all of us who's hearts are heavy and who's sadness may leave us united, as we remember and celebrating a life that was full, and accomplished. Berh was an example of hard work for the good. Love and hugs "wendy"
Dan Pagan
August 16, 2025
In the short time we knew Beth , it was a Lifetime of Great Memories...God Bless Her
Debbie Johnson
August 16, 2025
I am so heartbroken when I heard this. My heartfelt sympathy to Charlie, Sue, Jonathan and John. May God Bless each of you during this time.
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