I write this to say that my mom passed away this past Thursday afternoon. I’ve attached the text of her obituary below. She is so loved and we are all deeply sad. 

“The Rev. Catharine S. Phillips died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on November 4th, 2021 from Glioblastoma. With her at the time were her son Erik, daughter Sawyer, beloved husband Jeff and her cat Calliope. She also leaves behind her siblings Jane and Lane. She’s preceded in death by her parents Marjorie and William, as well as many dear friends and pets.

Catharine was among the first wave of women ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal church. After her 1984 ordination, she served in parishes in Lansing, Boston and the Chicagoland area. A true Minnesotan and a graduate of a Quaker College (Earlham), Catharine had an affinity for listening in silence to the world around her. This paired with her call to walk with folks through times of joy, sorrow and all the in-between led her to pursue her degree in clinical psychology. Catharine supported many through her counseling and spiritual direction. An avid poet and writer, Catharine wrote nearly every day for the past ten years, publishing her work to her blog, and recently in her book, Numbered Like the Psalms. More than anything else, Catharine was deeply loved. She lived her life with curiosity and whimsy, eager to see What Comes Next.

Catharine’s Celebration of Life will be Saturday, November 13th at 3pm at St. Marks Episcopal Church in Glen Ellyn, IL. Feel free to wear any fun and colorful socks/jacket/scarf/hat or whatever makes you feel most comfortable. A reception will follow. All are welcome. Masks required. There will be a zoom link for those unable to attend in person. In lieu of flowers, Catharine and her family request that you give money freely and unquestioningly to the next person who asks of you, as you are able. Attached is Catharine’s poem request https://allwillbewellperiod.blogspot.com/2017/03/forty-dollars.html?m=1.”