Iris Phillips
Born November 13, 1933
Mrs. Iris Phillips, age 79, of Newark, DE, a cherished teacher and mentor to many generations of local students, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2013.
Born in Boston, MA on November 13, 1933, Mrs. Phillips was the daughter of the late Rev. Christos and Jennie Pappas. She received her bachelor’s degree in education from the former Lowell State (MA) Teachers College in 1955. A truly gifted educator throughout her over 40-year career at Brookside Elementary School in Newark, she was always passionate about teaching and deeply committed to helping all of her students reach their full potential. Her students adored her; many of them have kept in close contact with their beloved Mrs. Phillips over the years with frequent visits, calls, and letters.
Mrs. Phillips was also well known as an accomplished artist. As a painter, her favorite subjects were depictions of still life and landscapes.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Joanne Carr, in 2011. She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Ernest Phillips; son-in-law, Dan Carr of Lake Oswego, OR; grandson, Alex Carr; brother, George Pappas and his wife Sarah of Sarasota, FL; many nieces and nephews; and her pet dog, Siri.
A gathering for family and friends will be held from 1 pm to 3 pm on Sunday, September 8th, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark.
ObitManager
Name: Michael Klezaras, Jr.
Message: So sorry to hear about the loss of Mrs. Phillips. She was my Sunday School teacher and I can still vividly recall her classes in the kitchen area of the old community center behind Holy Trinity. Mayher memory be eternal!
Name: Alex Tunnell (Kevin Beamer)
Message: This was my beloved 1st grade teacher. More than a teacher, she was a mentor, a friend, and a surrogate mom to me when I was a child. Her husband took me up in my 1st small plane ride when I was in 5th grade. At the beginning of 12th grade when I was having trouble at home she & her husband opened their home to me for my senior year of high school. Coming from such a dysfunctional family I got my 1st taste of what life could & should be like within a family. Mrs. Phillips mom lived across the street from their house and everyday after school she would have homemade rice pudding waiting for me. At Easter time I learned the cracking of the eggs Greek tradition. I also developed my love of lamb while living with them. Mrs. Phillips instilled in me a love for classic rock & roll. After high school I remember for a time playing on a teachers volleyball league with her & some of my other favorite teachers from Brookside. As happens in life we did lose contact but every Christmas for the last 20 some years I have sent a card to her & her husband. This past Christmas I received the 1st card ever in response from her. I will cherish it always as well as the impact she had on my life. “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove… but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”
Forest E. Witcraft (1894 1967)
Name: Jocelyn Raison
Message: I will miss you my unforgettable and fabulous
Greek, soul sister friend. You taught many children, and you did your way. Your students and their parents adored you. You let children be children. You gave them your unconditional love. I know you are with the Lord now and Joanne again. Oh, what a reunion! The Lord has gained another angel.
Heaven will be full of fun and laughter. We’re sisters forever. I love you!
Name: Jerome Lewis
Message: Iris was a kind and friendly
spirit. She always gave me a big hug.
Name: Karen Trearchis
Message: Dear Ernie, I am sorry to learn of the loss of your wonderful wife! May God be with you and your family.
Ernie, I am Angelo Dadoly’s oldest daughter and I remember meeting you when you flew your plane down to Virginia and visited my Dad. It was a fun time!
My husband Dean Trearchis uncle is a friend of yours, his name is George Righos.
Name: Ann and Meredith (Tom) Thomas
Message: Iris was Mrs. Brookside! Our daughter was in her first grade class. Her students loved her immensely. Iris also devoted more time than any other teacher or parent to the work of the PTA. She was one of the first teachers to have a multi age classroom. She and Judith Klevans were a great team. God bless you, Iris.
Name: Ron Herdman, Brookside teacher
Message: Iris was a great person and a wonderful teacher. Everyone loved her. We had such a great time working together. I will always remember all the laughter that we shared after school. Iris is now watching us all from heaven. Iris, You’re the BEST!!!