Joan P Eddy

Joan Phillips Eddy, 90, of Brighton, MI, formerly of Tucson, AZ, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, at The Willows of Howell Hospice after a life richly lived in service, curiosity, and kindness.

Born on April 15, 1935, in Winchester, MA, Joan was the daughter of John Jerome Phillips and Grace Perault Phillips. She attended Dana Hall School in Wellesley, MA. After graduating from Dana Hall, Joan enrolled in Marjorie Webster Junior College in Washington D.C. Upon completing her studies, Joan moved to Chicago, IL, where she worked in finance until her retirement at age 59.

While in Chicago, Joan met and married the love of her life, John C. Eddy. Together for 45 joyful years, they shared a love of gardening, travel, gourmet cooking, and wine tasting. After retirement, Joan found great joy in researching her ancestral history, a passion that became a favorite hobby.

A devoted Catholic throughout her life, Joan lived with deep faith and compassion. She loved to travel and explored many countries including Ireland, England, Scotland, Egypt, and Russia. Her husband, an avid amateur photographer, captured their many adventures, which they shared with loved ones through cherished slide shows.

Joan was also a talented gourmet cook, often hosting memorable dinners in their Chicago home. She was an avid baseball fan who cheered enthusiastically for the Boston Red Sox. After moving to Michigan, she began following the Detroit Tigers as well, even attending a game recently when the Red Sox were in town.

She had a sharp mind and loved playing cards-Bridge and Pinochle were her longtime favorites, and after settling in Michigan, she eagerly learned Euchre. Joan also enjoyed reading, watching Hallmark movies, and spending time with family and friends.

Joan was a loving and devoted aunt who treasured her extended family. She had a special bond with the children and grandchildren of her late brother, Robert U. Phillips: Linda Phillips Smith and her daughter Amy (Tim) Stephens and their children, Alpha and Archer Stephens. Christopher (Carolyn) Phillips and their children, Garrett and Brooke. Julie Phillips (Jeff) Fellows and their children, Austin (Alicia) and Dalton (Allison). John (Stacey) Phillips and their children, Shelby (Ryan) Badowski and their daughters Elizabeth and Katie James, Taylor Phillips, and Evan (Abigail) Phillips.

Joan is also survived by her brother John (a.k.a Jay) Phillips and his wife Eleanor, along with their children, John Phillips, and Sandra (Dan) O'Brien and their children, Blake and Brooke O'Brien. She remained close with her extended Perault family, including cousins Penny Stump and daughter Heather Elkardt, Matt and Mary Stump, Pam and Mike Mason, Lisa and Frank Felicia, Mimi Irmscher, and Tony and Tricia Perault.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Eddy; her second husband, Jack Mighton, her parents, John and Grace Phillips; and her brothers Mark Phillips and Robert Phillips. She also deeply loved her dog, Gracie, who passed before her.

A memorial service will be held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 607 E South Union St, Bay City, MI 48706 on Friday, September 26th at 10:00am, with interment to follow at Elm Lawn Cemetery, 300 Ridge Road, Bay City, MI 48708. Details regarding the celebration of life will be shared in due course.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan's memory to Michiganhumane.org.