Obituary of Theresa Phillips

Theresa Anne Phillips (nee McDonough) on Thursday November 11, 2010 in Toronto. Beloved wife of Michael McLaughlin Phillips (deceased March 29, 1998), and adored mother of Moira (Gordon), Anne (Gary), Theresa Jean(deceased August 7, 2010), Patrick (Helen), Elizabeth, Eileen (Mark), Michelle (Sean), Peter (Erika). She left 16 exceptional grandchildren, perfect in every way. She was the 7th of 11 children of Theresa and Joseph McDonough and all but one of her siblings predeceased her. She was exceptionally beautiful and well read -- with an ABD in Philosophy, an incredible inner strength and self-possession which gave all of her children a measure of peace. Theresa died after a very brief and harrowing illness demonstrating her accepting, stoic and patient nature at its lifetime best. Following her beloved Michael's decease, her life was somehow less robust: she devoted herself to her family and grandchildren and her close friendships with lifelong friends, until she became ill with dementia. Theresa loved to kick up her heels with her husband especially and enjoyed dancing, bridge, socialize in Palm Beach and Morgan Bay. She was an alarming cook who refused to be confined by recipes or ingredients. Guests invited over for home-cooked meals were very rare and exceptionally brave. She distinguished herself, too, as a deducated follower of fashion - the first woman we knew who would wear Mary Quant boots and a mini skirt. Execellence and integrity and loyalty were her hallmarks. Theresa was a wonderful, accepting and non-judgmental parent who invariably looked for the light and away from darkness. She had a sharp wit and sparkling sense of humour that made us roar with laughter. Theresa revered the printed word and it was unusual to see her without a book or newspaper in one hand and a cup of cold coffee in the other: semper paro. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 7- 9 p.m. on Monday, November 15. A celebration of Theresa's life will take place at BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH at 11 AM Tuesday, November 16, 2010. Private interment. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.