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BORN
1940
DIED
2019
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Mary Phillips Obituary
Highland - Mary "Mimi" (Genne) Phillips, 78, of Highland, NY, passed away, peacefully at home on March 19, 2019. She was born on June 22, 1940 in East Orange, New Jersey. She was the eldest child of Charles and Helena Genne.
She held her Masters degree in Public Health Education and worked for several decades as a Social Worker for Dutchess County Health Department, Office for the Aging, and Department of Mental Hygiene. She was also an adjunct professor for local colleges, a published author, and was involved with the Lifetime Learning Institute.
She was a member of The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Poughkeepsie. Mary was passionate about the outdoors and led a very active lifestyle. She was an avid marathon and distance runner, having completed 24 marathons and 4 ultra marathons. She was one of the founding members of The Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club, and was a dedicated volunteer for several organizations including The Minnewaska Visitors Center as an outdoor educator and nature guide, The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, The Ulster County Rail Trail, and was an ambassador for The Walkway Over the Hudson. Mary was an active member of several peer groups including multiple book and writing clubs and choral groups.
She is survived by her children, Kellen and Larry Roberto of Highland, NY, Allison and John Curry of Highland, NY, James (Jed) and Cara Phillips of Milford, PA, and Joshua Phillips of Port Richey, FL. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Rocco Roberto, Candace Trejo, Michael Roberto, Shayne Coons, Leah Phillips, Deegan Phillips, Keaton Phillips, Trevor Phillips and great-grandchildren Annalee Marshall and Cayden Derello. She is also survived by her long-time companion Lawrence Scarborough, his daughter Wendy (Scarborough) Kutlin, and her sister Ruth (Genne) Bacon. She is predeceased by her parents and her sister Susan (Genne) Conway.
Please join us as we celebrate the life of this remarkable woman.
A memorial open house celebration will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 12pm - 5pm at The Sunnybrook Clubhouse, 60 Toc Drive, Highland, NY 12528.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to Hudson Valley Hospice (374 Violet Ave. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601) or The Hudson Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association ( 2649 South Road, Suite, 101. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Phillips
Sponsored by Hans Funeral Home.
Bobbie Gentilquore
May 15, 2019
Mary, you are the epitome of a great friend and I will always miss our movie nights with Robin and, above, all, I will always miss you.
Bobbie
Mark Barillaro
March 28, 2019
I knew Mary from the Dutchess County YMCA where she was an active member and swim instructor. A wonderful lady; she will be missed. So sorry for your loss of Mary.
Shayna Coons
March 23, 2019
Mimi, I will miss you so much, you always wanted what was best for me you supported me in everything I did I cannot believe you're gone, I love you mimi, you will always be in our hearts .
Harry Chafetz
March 23, 2019
Mary was an inspiration to everyone. She could never sit still. She talked me into running the Sybil Ludington 50km race in Carmel. She was smart & walked part of the way. I never stopped to walk, but in the end she passed me. She will be remembered as a beautiful person.
I send her my love wherever she may be.
Harry Chafetz
March 23, 2019
In loving memory of a very sweet and kind woman . My deepest sympathies to Mimi's family
Marie Nan's granddaughter
March 23, 2019
When my kids were little they thought that Mary was the reason that people said Merry Christmas. She was so joyful and kind to them. Seeing her always felt like a celebration.
Her friendship with my grandmother, which I think began before I was born, was inspiring. She will be missed by all of us.
Phyllis smith
March 23, 2019
Our deepest sympathies to Larry and Mary's entire family. We will miss seeing Mary on the Walkway!
Phyllis and Tom Smith
Sandy Powell
March 22, 2019
May your memories bring you peace and comfort. Mary touched the life of so many, I am so glad to have know her!
Donna Deeprose
March 22, 2019
It's her running that Mary will always be remembered for, and it puts a grin on my face even now to think of how we used to joke that wherever you drove throughout our town, there would be Mary running along that road. But I will always be grateful to her for a slightly different reason. She introduced me to hiking with Mohonk Preserve's Wednesday morning hiking group. I never thought of myself as a hiker, but these hikes spiked my energy and enthusiasm all week long. My condolences to Larry and the whole family.
March 22, 2019
Mary was an inspiration to us all, especially at 6 am aerobics. I will always remember the great fun and Mary's wonderful personality . God bless Mary and her family. Fondly, Maureen Smith
steven schallenkamp
March 21, 2019
Mary was a beautiful soul. When , I first moved back to the area in 1979 she showed me much support and kindness. Mary will be missed by all who had the privilege to know her. My heart is filled with sadness .
March 21, 2019
My condolences to Mary's family.
I still miss the 6 a.m. meetings at the "Y", running around Poughkeepsie roads for hours, training for races, and traveling everywhere to run! Mary, you were a great trainer and I'm thankful to have shared a part of your life.
Love, Joan Grishman
Donna Curry, Oliveri
March 21, 2019
God Bless. Mary will leave a big hole in everyone's heart.
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