Margaret Phillips

Margaret Phillips, 92, passed away on Friday, November 8, 2013, at the Ponderosa Assisted Living in Yakima. Margaret was born in Moxee to Joseph and Rebecca Faucher. She attended Holy Rosary Catholic School, then Holy Names Academy in Seattle, graduating from Wapato High School in 1939. She received her Registered Nurse’s License in 1944 from St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing. Margaret married Charles Henley in 1944, just before he was shipped overseas in the Army. After he returned in 1946, they moved to Grandview, and she worked at Sunnyside Memorial Hospital in Obstetrics. Margaret was also in charge of the Civil Defense Program, and taught Red Cross home nursing classes. Their first daughter Becky was born in 1947, then Chris in 1948, and Jocelyn in 1950. Around 1963, they all moved to Toppenish, where Margaret worked at the Toppenish Central Memorial Hospital. She was the Charge Nurse of Medical Surgical ICU, CCU, and Pediatrics until she retired in 1976. She was lovingly called “Mother Hen” by her coworkers. Margaret’s husband Charlie passed away in 1970, so after her retirement in 1976 she moved to Vancouver, Washington with her daughter Chris and son-in-law Mike Jones and grandchildren James and DeAnn. Margaret married Harold Phillips in 1981. Harold passed away in 1995. She then joined Chris and Mike in Puyallup. When Margaret’s daughter Chris died of breast cancer in 1997, Margaret moved back to Yakima in 1999, then to the Ponderosa Assisted Living in 2008. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. Margaret made the best pecan rolls and dinner rolls. She loved her burgundy wine. Margaret is survived by daughters Becky (Corky) Story, and Jocelyn (Steve) Gamache. She is also survived by grandchildren Theresa (Troy) Upshaw, Aric (Lori) Gamache, Ryan Gamache, James (Ella) Jones, and her brother Don Faucher, as well as by great-grandchildren Cami (Pat) Dixon, Casey and David Upshaw, and Parker and Sydney Gamache, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Charlie and Harold, her daughter Chris, and her granddaughter DeAnn. She was also preceded in death by her brother Len Faucher and sisters Monica Brackney and Rosemary Faris. The family would like to thank the following: the Ponderosa Assisted Living family --- You took Mom into your home and gave her so much love and excellent care every day. You are the BEST. Also to Landmark Care & Rehab --- Your quality of care brought her back to us for a little while longer. And a heartfelt THANK YOU to Dr. Patrick Waber, his office staff, and his hospice team --- forever in our hearts for your kindness and compassion. And to Valley Hills Funeral Home --- Your patience and kindness meant so much. At Margaret’s request, there will be no services. Condolences may be sent to the Margaret L. Phillips family, c/o Valley Hills Funeral Home, 2600 Business Lane, Yakima, Washington 98901. In her memory, donations may be made to the Ponderosa Assisted Living, 3300 Englewood Avenue, Yakima, Washington 98902, or to the Memorial Foundation – HOSPICE, 2701 Tieton Drive, Yakima, Washington 98902-3759. Please share your memories and condolences on Margaret’s “Forever Obituary” at www.valleyhillsfh.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Margaret Phillips, please visit our flower store.