Obituary of Dolores Lee Phillips

Dolores went to be with the Lord on October 4, 2021. She was born in Elmira to the late Nataline (Santucci) and David T. Phillips. Dolores graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1976. She then attended Elmira College where she studied Elementary Education. She graduated with degrees in Elementary Education, Special Education, and School Administration. Dolores moved to the Bronx where she began her career as an educator, mentor, friend, and administrator, at the NY institute of Special Education for 34 years. Her passion, dedication, and love for children have positively affected the lives of countless families. Her giving nature, knowledge of education, and high expectations made her a role model to staff and families alike. Dolores' beautiful home in Mahopac NY was a neighborhood hangout for all. Her pool and patio were always filled with smiling faces and full stomachs. If you needed a meal or a place to rest your head, her door was always open. Her home was full of love without an ounce of judgement. Dolores is the epitome of love. After retiring in 2020 she finally got her dream of moving home to Elmira. Her ultimate goal was to be with her family. In true Dolores fashion, instead of relaxing, she took on the role of caregiver to her nephew Jagger. He was the apple of her eye, and she was quick to brag, to anyone who would listen, about her "new boss". Dolores was the Matriarch of the Phillips family. She loved her family beyond measure and would do anything in her power to ensure their happiness. Dolores was a true role mode in every aspect of the word, and the back-bone to so many. Her selflessness, generosity, kind heart and life of the party spirit will be irreplaceable. She is predeceased by brothers, Edward, Duane and David and niece Anna. Dolores is survived by sisters, Rose Wojtyna (Joe) and Eleanor; brothers, Daniel (Pamela), Ted (Patty), Mike (Dorothy), Tom (Lisa), along with several beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Our angel on earth will now be our guardian angel. Please join us for a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church, 604 Park Place, Elmira, on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Masks are required at church. A livestream of the Mass will be available through the Facebook page for Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish (https://www.facebook.com/ElmiraCatholic). Interment, with committal prayers, will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Dolores' family sends a special thank you to the staff on 3B at Arnot Ogden Medical Center, for the wonderful care Dolores received. Those wishing may remember Dolores with a donation to The Arctic League, P O Box 113, Elmira NY 14902.