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
Bonnie K Campbell says:
August 15, 2013
It was a privilege to work with Meredith as a teacher and a good friend. When she came to work with me in the Burlington School District, we were in the process of forging out a new talented and gifted district program that ended up going beyond expectations. Because of the special population we worked with, many were not aware of all that it involved and the impact we had on those students. We took great pride in the parent and student feedback and the extent of higher level learning that we were offering our 4th-8th grade students in the district. Meredith was a teacher with dedication to these special students and helped them rise to all they could be. She will be remembered by them as a special teacher in their 4th and 5th grade years in ACTS (Able, Creative, Talented Students) where they gained the special knowledge and love of learning that she imparted. I will remember our laughter and planning and organizing and workshops together but especially her friendship. Miss you, Meredith.
Courtney Van Maaren says:
August 15, 2013
So sorry about Meredith. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if we can help in any way. She was such a courageous woman battling cancer. I’m not able to be at the memorial service, but know that I’m praying for deep healing and comfort from the Father. In Christ, Courtney