Christine Anne Phillips
Jan 27, 2017
VISITATION Friday, Feb. 3rd from 4pm to 7pm at the Bel Air Chapel. Memorials will be directed by the family.
<<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>><<>>
Christine Anne Philips entered into the loving arms of our Lord on January 27, 2017. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Connie Phillips Adams; son-in-law, Kelly Adams; grandchildren, Joseph Adams and Patrick Adams (Caitie); adored four-legged companions, Herbie and Mena; many dear friends and cherished extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, George Phillips and Constance Pulos Phillips.
Christine was born in Omaha, Nebraska to parents of Greek decent and was very proud of her Greek heritage and of being a first-generation Greek-American.
After receiving her degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Christine taught high school in western Nebraska for several years before returning to Lincoln, and giving birth to her only child, Connie. Christine moved to Omaha in the 1960s and taught in the Westside School District, then known as District 66, for 34 years.
Devoted to her daughter, Christine also shaped and inspired hundreds of other children during her long career, many of whom kept in touch with her throughout the years with cards, phone calls and visits. Her “kids” and her daughter were the joys of her life. After her passing, several former students reached out to Connie with stories about “Mrs. Phillips,” and nearly every one of them mentioned the words that ran the length of her classroom for all those years, “Be the BEST of Whoever You Are.” And Christine was the personification of those words her entire life. She was the absolute BEST of who she was, always and in all ways.
A beautiful actress, talented director, writer, and artist herself, Christine was a supporter of the arts throughout her life, performing on many local stages, serving on the Omaha Opera Guild and writing the study guides for the Guild touring companies. Christine was selected to take part in a three-year summer program on teaching original opera in the classroom, and she and her students created and performed several original operas during the later years of her career.
After retiring, Christine took up Ballroom Dancing and enjoyed traveling in the United States and abroad with friends and family. She also enjoyed being a member of Kiwanis, which gave her an opportunity to volunteer her time helping children read at Conestoga Elementary School until 2012.
Christine was diagnosed with dementia in May of 2007, and moved in with Connie and Kelly in July of 2008. She remained with them until her passing. Even as the disease slowly and cruelly chipped away at her brilliant mind, she never lost her sense of humor, her love of family, children, animals, music, art and theatre, or her kind, gentle, nurturing spirit.
She spent her last years coloring, playing with the family dachshunds, listening to music, accompanying Connie and Kelly on outings of all kinds, playing games with her Senior Companion, Mary Miller, and enjoying her Mondays and Fridays at the Franciscan Centre Senior Day Care.
Christine Anne Phillips Was the BEST at Who She Was and Gave Her Best to Everyone She Met.
8 Comments
Mrs. Phillips remains fond in my memory. She shared enthusiasm, creativity, kindness, and honesty. She was a good friend to our whole family, having taught all three of the Weiner kids. I remember her reading us the “Box Car Kids”, and the banner about giving the lasting gift of teaching another “to fish”. We share a lifetime of learning in her honor 🙂
I had Mrs. Phillips as a teacher for three grades at Arbor Heights Elementary and my family stayed in touch with her for years afterward. She was animated and enthusiastic and brought all subjects to vivid life for us. I do remember the banner “Be the best of whoever you are,” her reading Anne of Green Gables to us, the writing center, all the classroom pets we had, mostly rodents of some type, her directing us like an orchestra conductor in a group recitation of “The Night Before Christmas.” She had a wonderful smile and laugh and her advice was always thoughtful and straightforward. I can hear that voice and that laugh in my head right now. So saddened by her passing. The world is one bright light dimmer now. All best to Connie and family. –Pam Weiner
Mrs. Phillips zest for life was instilled in so many of us to carry it through to the next generation …oh we who now have zesty kids, and likely some with grandkids. Whatever we have done we have done with passion, persistence and rigor. We haven’t forgotten the many life lessons we learned from Christine who shared her heart and soul with us each and every day. “We share a lifetime of learning in her honor.” (Aaron, you’re quotable!)
Mrs. Phillips was my 6th grade teacher at Arbor Heights. She was a magnificent role model and I have vivid memories of not only the coursework but the life lessons she imparted to her students. She made school a joyful thing. I will always hold a special place in my heart for her.
You have my deepest condolences.
Butterflies and rainbows will miss Chris. She was very creative and instilled that quality in her students. She always found something good in every student, and I was honored to teach with her at Westbrook Junior High.
I worked with Chris at Underwood Hills. She was always such a creative kind person. She was passionate about her students. God Bless Her
Arbor Heights Elementary 6th grade was one of the best due to Mrs. Phillips. I remember ‘our’ Mrs. Phillips as one of the most outstanding teachers in my years of formal education, clear through college. She was truly an uplifting, encouraging soul. Her readings of many, many books most stands out in my memory, with ‘A Stich in Time’ my favorite. I can still hear the enthusiastic inflections of the characters in her voice. Condolences to family and friends.
Chris, I will never forget your awesome smile and your sense of humor. Your in Gods hands now and I’m sure your conversing with Mommy Connie…Rip and Thank You for being you..
Sign Guestbook