Obituary of Constance Phillips

Constance (Connie) Phillips OLEAN, NY �" Connie Phillips, 82, of 112 N. 10th Street, died Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at The Pines Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Olean after a brief stay. Born August 28, 1930 in Ridgway, PA, she was a daughter of Conrad and Eva Larson. Connie was a high school and liberal arts graduate of Roberts Wesleyan College, North Chili, NY. She also received a degree in elementary education from Lock Haven State Teachers' College, Lock Haven, PA. Connie began her teaching career at School #2 in Olean. For 12 years, while raising her family, she served as a substitute teacher and later returned to full-time teaching at School #1 and Ivers J. Norton. She retired in 1985. Connie loved to sing and dance, and will be remembered for her down to earth manner and quick wit. A longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church, she sang in the choir, was a Sunday school teacher, and served on various committees. She was involved in numerous volunteer activities in the Olean community including Interfaith Caregivers, the Olean YMCA, and Olean General Hospital. Connie was predeceased by her beloved husband of 53 years, Bob Phillips, who died in 2004, and by grandson Blair, who died in January 2013, son of Paul and Deirdre and brother of Kate and Anna. Siblings Russell Larson, Laverne Larson, Merle Larson, Leslie Larson, and Freda (Larson) Kozik also predeceased Connie. She is survived by sons Robert (Nancy) Phillips of Olean, Conrad (Lisa Hoffman) Phillips of Nelliston NY, Stephen Phillips of Olean, and Paul (Deirdre) Phillips of Avon NY. Survivors also include grandchildren Adam, Julie, Alyssa, Kate, Hannah, Anna, and Ryan, great-grandchildren Ashlyn and Parker, sister Margaret (Larson) Stahli, and several nieces and nephews. At Connie's request, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. A private burial service will be held at a later date. Memorials would be deeply appreciated by the family and may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 131 N. 9th Street, Olean, NY 14760, or St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.