Mary Jane Phillips

Mary Jane (Jung) Phillips, 87, Rockford, IL, died on her birthday Friday, March 14, 2014 in St. Anne Center. Born March 14, 1927 in Benton Harbor, MI, daughter of Herman and Elfrieda (Diefenbach) Jung. Graduated from Randolph, WI High School and attended the University of Wisconsin . Active Rockford resident since 1971. Member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Valued employee as a secretary for several local architectural firms, followed by many years working as a legal secretary which included membership in the Winnebago County Association of Legal Secretaries. Lover of music and an accomplished musician. Played the piano and organ for several churches and many other area venues. Taught private piano lessons. Performing member of the Mendelssohn Club for many years and a long time ticket holder to the Rockford Symphony and Chicago Lyric Opera. Fan of jazz. Active member of Sigma Alpha Iota, honorary music sorority. Many other varied interests. Avid bridge player, being part of several bridge clubs. gourmet cook, lover of good books and an active world traveler, always enjoying time spent in elderhostels. Mary was a woman with a strong personality who will always be remembered for her smiles, laughter, and love of life.
Survivors include her son, John (Janice Gordon) Phillips; daughters, Carolyn Jacobson and Lisa (Mike Bresette) Lindberg; grandchildren, Brett and Jennifer Phillips; brother, Robert ( Dee ) Jung; special family member, David "Jake" Jacobson, other relatives and many friends. The family would like to give a special thank you to the staffs of Northern Illinois Hospice and St. Anne Center for the compassionate care that they gave to Mary.
A celebration of Mary's life will be held at noon on Saturday, May 3rd, at Forest Hills Country Club, 5135 Forest Hills Road, Rockford, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sigma Alpha Iota, Rockford Chapter, c/o Ellen Roseberg, 316 Roland Ave. , Rockford , Il 61107 .