Mary Philp Obituary
October 27,1927-March 5, 2026
Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher who was always learning.
Mary Ellen Philp was born in Highland Park, Michigan, to Evelyn Menold (Brady) and Ronaldo Menold. She inherited from her father-both a teacher and a poet-a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of words. As a young girl, she entered poetry-recitation contests, developing the rich, mellifluous voice that would one day enchant her own children.
On March 31, 1951, she married the love of her life, Harry Philp. Together they raised six children who grew up listening to her read aloud every night. Her children would plead, "Just one more chapter," captivated by her voice and the worlds she created for them. One story, Edgar Allan Poe's The Pit and the Pendulum, became legendary in the family-never forgotten by those who heard her bring it to life.
Mary Ellen is survived by her sister: Susie Perkins, six children: Katie Philp, Nancy Weiss, Suzanne Minock, Jamie Dabrowski, Margaret Moulis and Jerry Philp, fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren:
Mary Ellen was a woman of clarity, conviction, and civic spirit. She held her opinions with confidence and lived her values with consistency. Among her firmly held beliefs:
• Public television over commercial
• Eat fresh and delicious food
• Everyone must exercise their right to vote-even when their preferred candidate won't win
• The New York Times crossword should always be done in pen
• A commitment to community and civic engagement
• Two newspapers a day, without fail
• Admiration for her favorite political figures, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, Adlai Stevenson and Rosa Parks
Mary Ellen's life was filled with purpose, intellect, humor, and devotion to her family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, integrity, and love-a voice that lives on in the hearts of all who heard it.
Celebration of Life June 27, 2026 in Dexter, MI
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PBS www.pbs.org
Royal Oak Public Library - royaloakcivicfoundation.org
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