Cynthia Phillips

In Loving Memory of our Mother Cynthia Ruth Phillips, who returned to heaven on June 10th, 2023, just before her 88th birthday on June 18th.
Although she has passed from this world, Cynthia has left an incredible legacy behind as she is survived by her brother Clive Coe, her five daughters; Gayner, Jennifer, Pamela, Cynthia, Jacqueline, their spouses Kimm, Loyal, Steve, Rick, 15 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Cynthia grew up on a farm in Long Melford, Suffolk, England. The oldest daughter in a family of four. She learned early on that hard work and dedication to your family was the most important thing in life, starting a nursing assistant program at just 13 years of age. She later graduated from that program and met the love of her life, a handsome and charismatic soldier stationed at RAF Mildenhall, England named Marion Jackson (Jack) Phillips. They were soon married in Scotland, then again on the military base,  and if two wedding ceremonies weren’t enough they then had a third time in Michigan as requested by Jack’s mother, when they returned to the United States to start their life together.
Being a military wife, Cynthia had to move around to many states as a new mother before settling in Oxnard, California in 1958. She returned to nursing after her oldest daughters were married, and worked in a variety of departments at St. John’s hospital before finishing her career as an anesthesiology nurse tech after 26 years of service. Throughout their lives, Jack and Cynthia were very active in their community performing as part of the Romping Stompers Square Dancers, leaders of the Oxnard Elks Lodge, and supporting their Anglican Church, Saint George. They had a love of the outdoors and adventure, spending most summers camping with their family or taking trips back to England. They were married for 59 years before Jack passed away in 2011.
Family was what mattered most to Cynthia, and she served as an example of what a matriarch should be. She had a quiet, unspoken dignity, and continuous grace. Although there were many of us, she never missed a special occasion. She remembered everyone’s birthday by heart, sending a beautifully handwritten card so each person knew she was thinking of them. Our favorite memories include gathering at her home in her beautiful garden, enjoying a feast that she prepared so effortlessly. She made sure to pass along family values and traditions; including baking pies together, making Christmas wreaths, Christmas tea parties, and the annual family trip to Bass lake.
Cynthia has passed on so many gifts to her patients, friends, and family over the years, and she will be greatly missed every day, by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
We are comforted by the fact that our Mother Cynthia is back in the arms of our Father Jack, her sisters Muriel and Barbara, and son in-law Louie. Together we see them in an endless English garden, dancing and laughing again. Until we see you again Mom…Your love and lessons will forever live on through the family you created, where we promise to continue your legacy and forever dance to the Tennessee Waltz.