Mary Magdalena Phillips

Maria Magdalena “Maggie” Phillips

On Monday, March 2, 2026, Maria Magdalena “Maggie” Phillips, née Romero, was called home to be with her late husband and son at the age of 95.

Maggie was born in Janesville, Minnesota, on October 15, 1930. She grew up as the oldest sister caring for her five siblings like her own. She met the love of her life, Richard Phillips, on a blind date on New Years Eve in 1950 where they brought in the new year with a handshake instead of a kiss, a time honored tradition they would carry with them for over 65 years. They kindled their romance with dates at the Eagles Club where they would dance the night away in each other's arms. They were married on April 30, 1955 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, raised four children together, and moved to Elk Grove Village, Illinois in 1971.

Maggie nurtured Linda’s emboldened spirit, Rick’s educational pursuits, Jesse’s engineering mind, and Adam’s entrepreneurial enthusiasm. She dreamed of good health, happiness, family and fortune for each of her four children, delighting in their accomplishments and offering words of encouragement and a loving embrace. As her family grew to include grand-children and great-grandchildren, her heart was full and she loved them all with a fierce devotion wrapping them in the warmth of her handmade blankets. She carried photos around of all her family members blessing them with her love and prayers. She offered lessons of life, love, etiquette, resilience, and perseverance so her family can continue to carry her in their hearts forever.

In their last years together, Maggie and Richard moved to Rockford and built a home they always dreamed of. It was filled with pictures, movies, music, art, collectibles, books, chess sets, and plants. It was also filled with the Phillips’ version of the Happy Birthday song (loud, uncoordinated, and off-key), boisterous laughter, and moments shared together. The flourishing garden outside would become her sanctuary and they’d add benches, swings, fountains, and even a teacup tree. The garden hosted many family gatherings and Richard’s celebration of life in 2016 with memories firmly planted and cherished.

In her final years, Maggie lived with her daughter and was blessed with numerous family visits and holidays with loved ones. After she spent a lifetime caring for her siblings, her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren; she was surrounded by that enduring love in her last weeks on this earth.

Maggie is survived by her daughter Linda (Jim) Ondrus, son Rick (Cindy) Phillips, daughter-in-law Robin Phillips, son Adam (Miyah) Phillips, grand-daughters Alicia (Adriana) Schutter, Christine (Brian) Rudd, Tara (Adam) Havlicek, Amber Phillips, Ryan Ondrus, Jessica Phillips, Sam (Kim) Phillips, Alexis (Ed) Ondrus, Sabrina Phillips, Anna Phillips, and Isabella Phillips, great-grandchildren Alexzander, Nevaeh, Brooklyn, Tristin, Aiden, Chloe, Nathan, Madeline, Olivia, and Richard Wyatt, and several family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Richard “Rocky” Phillips, her caring son Jesse Phillips, and her parents, brothers, and sisters.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in her honor.