Elizabeth Ann Phillips

Elizabeth A. Phillips of Livonia, Michigan, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her side on August 23rd, 2024. Elizabeth was born on August 3 rd, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, the oldest of four children to Alfred and Marianne MacDonald (Paddock). Elizabeth, known as Betty to her friends and family, graduated from Immaculata High School in 1955 in Detroit and later was a proud graduate of Marygrove College in 1959 with a degree in Education. Betty also received a masters degree from Wayne State University and shared her love of teaching for many years in Detroit and Birmingham, Michigan.

Betty had a magnetic energy, along with a radiant smile, and was kind, compassionate, joyful, and friendly with everyone she had met. She was genuinely interested in other’s life stories, and loved to listen, learn, and share experiences. In her younger years she was active with tennis, bowling and ski clubs. She had met her dear husband Walter at Sinbad’s Restaurant on the Detroit River and were soon married at the Detroit Yacht Club in December 1970. Along with raising her children, Betty had a passion for volunteering and helping others. Betty served as a crossing guard for over twenty years in Livonia at Hoover elementary school where she enjoyed seeing all the neighborhood families every day. Her volunteering also included visiting nursing homes to entertain the residents. She loved people and was seen daily at the swim club where she was known as the longest active member. In between her busy schedule, she also had a side hobby of entering countless contests and was proud of all that she won, often happy to give away the prizes to her family. Betty had significant passion for Jesus and the Church where she sponsored many of her grandchildren’s Baptisms, First Communions and Confirmations. She had friends at many of the local Catholic churches and was the most active at St. Edith Parish in Livonia where she loved participating in the choir group.

Betty and Walt enjoyed spending time with family and friends, whether it be on motor home trips, going “Up North” in Michigan or family trips across the US to Myrtle Beach, Florida, New York, etc. Betty loved to travel internationally too with Walt and meet new people. She visited such places as South America, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and went on numerous cruises. She was always up for going along on an adventure, spending time at sporting events to cheer on children and grandchildren, and immensely enjoyed talking and engaging with others during these events.

Betty Phillips’ greatest achievement in life was being a mother and a grandmother, and deeply loved her family, and was so very proud of all of her children and grandchildren. She certainly gave her best self to her family and friends during her journey aboard the train of life. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Virginia MacDonald, her brother Alfred MacDonald, her grandson, William Paul Phillips, and her dear husband, Walter William Phillips. She is survived by her children, James Robert Phillips (Andrea), Erin Elizabeth Livedoti (Dominic Livedoti), John Scott Phillips, her grandchildren Julia Livedoti, Elise Livedoti, Leanna Phillips, Andrew Phillips, Christian Phillips, and Adalynn Phillips, her brother Ronald F. MacDonald, and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.

The Phillips family will receive friends and family Friday, September 6th, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Harry J. Will Funeral Home 37000 Six Mile Road, Livonia 48152 with a scripture service at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Edith 15089 Newburgh Rd, Livonia, MI 48154 on Saturday, September 7th. Mrs. Phillips will be instate at 10:00 a.m. with mass following at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the V Foundation for Cancer Research are appreciated.