Brenda Ann Phillips
August 23, 1943 – March 14, 2023
Brenda Ann Phillips, 79, of Sun Lakes, Arizona, and Curtis, Michigan, entered her Heavenly home on March 14, 2023, with her family by her side.
Brenda was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. She attended St. John Vianney High School and Mott Community College. Brenda married Jim Phillips the summer of 1966. Shortly thereafter, their family expanded to include a daughter and son. Brenda cherished her many years working at Hank Graff Chevrolet in several roles where her gift in connecting with people shone through.
Upon Jim’s retirement in 2009, they divided their time between their home in Sun Lakes, Arizona, and their cottage in Curtis, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Brenda’s spunky personality kept her active in many social groups and activities. She enjoyed traveling, hosting parties, quilting, visiting casinos, and being an integral part of her grandchildren’s lives.
Her love was lavishly given as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Brenda never met a stranger. Her vivacious and friendly nature instantly welcomed those in her presence and brought joy to all those around her. She always sparkled like the tinsel in her hair.
She cherished family time spent at their summer cottage playing games, crafting, sitting by the campfire, and fishing on the lake with her granddaughter. Brenda found joy engaging with all the people she met while working at the Spruce It Up gift shop in Curtis.
Brenda’s faith was an ongoing presence throughout her life. She served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist in both Michigan and Arizona and attended St. Timothy in Curtis and St. Stevens in Sun Lakes.
Brenda leaves behind her beloved family: James “Jim,” her husband of 56.5 years; daughter Laura (Frank) Manella; son James “Jamie”; grandson Matthew Manella; and granddaughter Danielle Manella. She is preceded in death by her parents Jack and Anna Mae Keyes.
A funeral Mass will be held on Monday April 17, 2023, at St. Steven’s Catholic Church in Sun Lakes, Arizona at 10 AM. A Celebration of Life will follow Mass in the Parish Hall.
During her devoted and loving care of her husband, Brenda became actively involved with The Perfect Place and Memory Café organizations in Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation, on behalf of Brenda, to The Perfect Place by Oakwood Creative Care, 23914 S. Alma School Rd, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 or https://www.oakwoodcreativecare.org/donate/.
Cathy Irene Willis
March 19, 1949 – March 27, 2023
Lifelong Newberry resident, Cathy Irene Willis, 74, of Newberry, died Monday, March 27, 2023 at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital in Newberry.
Born March 19, 1949 in Newberry, daughter of the late Cecil and Rena (Musselman) Cornell, Cathy was a 1967 graduate of Newberry High School and a graduate of Northern Michigan University receiving a degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Cathy was employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Applewood Manor, Luce County Annex, the practices of Dr. Mackie and Dr. Armstrong and at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital for several years until her retirement.
Cathy was a member of The Yayas, Card Ladies and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends. She also enjoyed gardening, painting, puzzles, reading, traveling, camping and fishing.
In addition to her parents, Cathy is preceded in death by her first husband Luther “Luke” Prince, brother Donnie Cornell and sister Susan Olkkonen.
Survivors include her loving husband, Jason, of Newberry; daughters Amanda (Jake) Maki of Curtis and Sherry (Dan) Root of Sturgis; grandchildren Logan Maki and Elizabeth Maki; siblings Charles (Diane) Cornell and Paul (Debbie) Cornell all of Newberry.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday March 31, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Newberry United Methodist Church. A memorial service celebrating the life of Cathy will follow at 2:00 pm at the church with Pastor Jackie Roe officiating. Interment will take place at a later date at the Riverside Cemetery in Germfask.
Memorials may be directed to the Health Career Scholarship Fund in care of Helen Newberry Joy Hospital, 502 West Harrie Street, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
