Meredith E. Phillipps
January 24, 1955 - August 15, 2013
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Meredith E. Phillipps
January 24, 1955 - August 15, 2013
Obituary
Meredith Ellen Van Oort Phillipps passed away August 15, 2013 after a courageous fight with ovarian cancer. She was born January 24, 1955 in Poughkeepsie, New York to Jo-Ellen Van Oort and Rev. Harold Van Oort. She grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey and cherished her two sisters, Leslie and Laura.
She was a gifted and motivated student and excelled in writing and art, and theatre as well in her biggest passion: ballet. Meredith began studying ballet when she was a small girl, and began to more seriously pursue it during high school, travelling into New York City to dance at the Joffrey School. She went on to pursue a major in dance at the University of Cincinnati, graduating with a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts in 1977.
While at the university, she met her future husband, Tony Phillipps, a music major who was performing with the Cincinnati Symphony. They connected through her lifelong love of classical music; he eventually took a position as a percussionist with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. This job led them to relocate to Burnaby, British Columbia and they settled in North Delta where they welcomed two children, Matthew and Kathryn. Meredith was a wonderfully nurturing and giving mother, she had a huge heart for her children.
The family moved in 1998 to Lynden, WA and Meredith became a teacher, working in the Burlington-Edison School District teaching gifted and talented and 5th grade. Meredith loved spending time with family and friends, being involved in her church and community.
She is survived by her husband Tony, her two children, her sisters Laura and Leslie, nieces and nephews, extended family all across the country, and many good friends.
Farewell Tribute Information
A memorial service will be held Saturday August 24th at 11:00am at Faith Reformed Church in Lynden, WA. Donations Information
Donations to the Cancer Center at St. Joseph Hospital (Bellingham, WA) in Merediths memory are appreciated.
7 responses to Meredith E. Phillipps
Tony says:
August 15, 2013
Mere, you are the love of my life I will love you forever.
Carol says:
August 15, 2013
Although we met relatively briefly a number of times, it was obvious that Meredith was a very special woman who lived life with passion and let her light shine. My thoughts and prayers continue for her family.
Kveta Morgan says:
August 15, 2013
Condolences to Meredith’s family from an Edison parent. Our daughter enjoyed Mrs. Phillips as her homeroom teacher. She liked her riddles and her easy going conduct. This year our son enters 5th grade. We will miss Mrs. Phillips.
Laura LoPresti says:
August 15, 2013
Meredith was a wonderful sister and very dear friend. She had many gifts but her honesty and courage are the ones I most treasure. You always knew where you stood with Meredith. There was no pretense. She touched many lives during her life and I am grateful that she was so appreciated by her students and school district. I know her memory will live on there as well as always in my heart.
Ammon says:
August 15, 2013
Mrs. Phillipps was one of my favorite teachers. I would never admit that to her because I was a weird 5th Grader but I still love all that she’s done fore me. She helped my acting career and without her I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I would always pull her leg and she would always pull mine. We had that teacher student connection that nobody could replace. I was thinking about her recently and I can’t help see all the things she has done to help me become who I am today. I can’t fathom how much I miss her and how much she meant to me. I want to let her know that “Turtle Boy”, “Ammer Scammer”, and all the other nicknames she called me, loves misses her like I would miss my Turtle. And she knows, I love my turtle like I would love my parents.