Doris Phillips Obituary

In Loving Memory of Doris Eileen Phillips

December 17, 1928 – July 29, 2025

Doris Eileen Phillips, 96, the cherished matriarch of the Phillips family, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday evening, July 29, 2025 with her loved ones by her side. Born on December 17, 1928 in Hempstead, NY, Doris – known lovingly as "Eileen" or "Nannie" – found her greatest joy in family.

A devoted mother of seven, grandmother of twenty-three, great-grandmother of twenty-two (with one more on the way), and great-great-grandmother of one (and another expected), she was truly the heart and soul of the Phillips family. The family farmhouse served as the gathering place for countless celebrations, where her warmth and hospitality were always felt. Nannie had a remarkable gift for remembering every birthday, anniversary, and milestone, always sending a thoughtful card and gift to make each person feel special.

After graduating high school, Doris began a 30-year career as a telephone operator with Bell Telephone, working in both Long Island and Catskill, NY.

It was shortly after high school that Eileen met the love of her life, Rudy Phillips. The two were married on May 1, 1948, and soon began building a life and a family together. Following Rudy's dream of country living, they moved to East Durham, NY in 1963, where they ran a boarding house and founded Ravine Farm. Their home was a place of welcome for all-friends, family, and strangers alike.

Eileen never missed a moment in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Whether on the sidelines of a game or cheering from the stands, her support was unwavering. In her later years, she found joy in word searches, puzzles, and her favorite scratch-off lottery tickets.

A longtime resident of East Durham, Eileen was predeceased by her parents, Alvin and Catherine "Blanche"; her husband, Rudy; her sister, Anna; and many dear cousins. She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children, Doreen Deckers (George), Colleen Spinner (Skip), Kurt Phillips (Beth), Eileen Kiefer (Bill), Maureen Winnie (Kim), Kathleen Spohler (Kurt), and Keith Phillips (Christina); along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and treasured friends, including Nick and Rose Trotta, and Roberta Soderblom.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brook VanFleet, Bridget Pectal, Britt McManus, Kelly Snyder, Billy Snyder, Emily Forman, Bill Spinner, Jim Spinner, Brian Spinner, Rick Spinner, Colleen Spinner, Hunter Phillips, Dalton Phillips, Kolby Phillips, Mackenzie Martin, Amie Roe, Bradley Winnie, Tyler Winnie, Samantha Lacy, Sawyer Spohler, Sydney Spohler, Mikaela Phillips, and Ethan Phillips.

And her great-grandchildren, Skyla, Colton, Carter, Paisley, Mason, Zaida, Michael, Connor, Nova, Clover, Peyton, Emersyn, Brezlynn, Bellamie, Hadley, Parker, Morgan, Mabel, Jeffrey, Cooper, Tucker, Roscoe, (with another great-grandchild on the way).

And her great-great-grandchild, Levi (with another great-great-grandchild on the way).

Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 6th at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Knock Shrine, 2052 State Route 145, East Durham, followed by burial in Top Hill Cemetery on the family farm. There are no calling hours.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to JoAnne Molloy for her loving care over the past four years, as well as to Gerri Elsbree, Hudson Valley Homecare, and Dolce Capobianco-Baldwin of Community Hospice for their compassionate expertise and support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, 47 Liberty Street, Catskill, NY 12414.

Condolence messages may be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.