Nellie Ireland Phillips
April 10, 1923 – October 27, 2023
Nellie Ireland Phillips was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend. She went to be with the Lord Friday, October 27, 2023 at age 100, in Oakmont, PA.
Nellie was born to Emerson and Rachel Ireland on April 10, 1923 In Penn Hills, PA; the oldest of six children, she grew up on the banks of the Allegheny River. After high school, she entered Pennsylvania College for Women, and graduated with a nursing degree. During those years, she met Vic Phillips, and they married in 1944, in the middle of a war that almost immediately separated them. Once reunited, they built a life together that spanned 60 years.
Nellie loved the Lord, her family, gardening, and her dogs. Her life revolved around her relationship with Christ, and doing His will. But she also took great pleasure in nurturing and serving others. And she energetically and beautifully maintained plants and shrubs, particularly on their property on Nadine Road in Penn Hills, where she and Vic built a home after the war and raised four children.
In addition to her nursing career, Nellie became a key partner with Vic in the family business. For a time, she also held a leadership position at their denomination’s college, which was emblematic of her lifelong concern for foreign missions. It was a privilege and joy for her and Vic to travel to numerous foreign countries – often visiting mission fields and ministries that they supported. In her later years, she shared life with her daughter Nancy and 3 wonderful dogs, Jake II, Daisy and Goldie; the family is grateful for the sacrificial care that Nancy provided in so many ways.
Nellie is survived by: children Nancy, David (Nancy), Janice (Daniel), and Richard (Maureen); and brothers Robert and Roger (Annette). She loved and treasured her eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Please no flowers. Consider a memorial donation to the charity of your choice.
Friends received at William F. Gross Funeral Home 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills on Tuesday, October 31, 2023 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Services will take place at 6 p.m. A private burial will take place a Mt. Hope Cemetery.