Mary Catherine Phipps

Mary Catherine Phipps

(nee Nigbor)

April 14, 1935 - December 27, 2025

Mary passed away peacefully on Friday, December 27, 2025, at the age of 90.

Beloved wife of the late John Phipps. Loving mother of Leslie "Les" Phipps. Mary will also be remembered by other relatives and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Theodore and Annita (nee Brehm) Nigbor and her brother, John (the late Jean) Nigbor.

Mary's professional journey began with a position of great responsibility as a supervisor at an Ammunition Company for the US Government. Her leadership and organizational skills were evident, as she capably oversaw operations with a keen eye and a steady hand. Later, alongside her beloved husband John, Mary embarked on a new venture as the co-owner and operator of Phipps Repair Service, a gas/service station in Rhinelander that became a community staple under their attentive care.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Mary was deeply involved with the 1834 Club, a proud institution she helped found to honor the year Waukesha was incorporated and became a city. Her commitment to the club's activities and her passion for its mission were emblematic of her love for her community and its history.

Mary's interests were as varied as they were engaging. She held a particular fondness for flower gardening, a pursuit that allowed her to express her artistic side through the vibrant blooms and intricate designs that graced her garden. Sewing and repairing garments were also among her talents, a testament to her dexterity and resourcefulness.

One of Mary's most cherished memories was the dream vacation to Hawaii, where she visited her aunt, Sr. Mary Ann McElroy. What was initially planned as a brief stay extended to a full month, as the beauty and serenity of the islands captivated her spirit. This adventure remained a treasured chapter in her book of life.

Inurnment at St. Joseph Cemetery, Waukesha.