Obituary of Theresa Phillips

PHILLIPS, Theresa Jean (February 11, 1956 - August 7, 2010) Theresa, or Tizi as we knew her, was the beloved daughter of Michael McLaughlin Phillips (deceased) and Theresa Anne Phillips (nee McDonough). Dear sister to Moira (Gordon McMehen), Anne (Gary Webb), Patrick (Helen Braithwaite), Elizabeth (John Barclay), Eileen (Mark Rowe), Michelle (Sean Staples), and Peter (Erika Barnes). Cherished "mamma" to Chaos. Beloved aunt of 15 nieces and nephews. Theresa was a great beauty, a person of overcoming vision and courage who excelled at anything she took up. She was a well-known rider on her darling Newsworthy on the North American working hunter circuit, an accomplished athlete, swimming and champion needlepoint devotee. Latterly, she devoted her own life to those of her mother and father in their declining years. She was fearless, the portrait of a lady with faultless manners, a wonderful dinner table companion and conversationalist - a woman of exquisite taste. Illness darkened her last years and she fought her fight with cancer as a gladiator. Today we salute her. We honour her bravery. And her valour, and uncomplaining silence in the face of closing darkness, unimaginable pain and hopelessness. She remained perfectly beautiful as she left us, body and soul. The family wishes to thank everyone at Humber Heights and the compassionate doctors, nurses and staff of Saint Michael's Hospital Palliative Care who made such a difference in Theresa's last days with their remarkable support and tireless care. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) on Tuesday, August 10 from 6 - 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial and a Celebration of Theresa's life will take place in BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH, 24 Cheritan Avenue (at Yonge Street), on Wednesday, August 11 at 11 o'clock. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com. "Bright Star, would I were as steadfast as thou art." (Keats)