PHILLIPS, Mary Phillips

She passed peacefully at home, lovingly surrounded by family. One of her final wishes was to remain at home rather than in hospital, and we are grateful we were able to honor that wish.

Mary (Chinnapappa) was born in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India where her family made their home. They had a rich community connected to the church and to neighbours. As a young woman, Mary Phillips moved to Hyderabad for work. There she met her husband, Padmaraj. In 1970, she came to Canada with her two young daughters and they were reunited with Padmaraj who had come 9 months earlier to set up life in Canada. She worked at Blue Cross for 25 years in the Travel Claims Department.

After retiring she worked as a crossing guard in East York where she became a familiar fixture at the intersections of Danforth, Cosburn and Torrens along Pape Avenue. Mary was a beloved presence in her community. Neighbours would often stop to talk with her while she sat on the porch and she always appreciated those small moments of connection. She loved encouraging the new immigrant moms and their children during the school day. Mary was quick to share a smile or a laugh. She was also a wonderful cook. She could easily converse in 3 languages. Over the years, she travelled regularly to India to see friends and family and took on various roles in the Telugu Christian Fellowship, most recently as treasurer. Mary was generous and her care for others extended beyond Canada. She supported many students in her hometown of Kakinada, paying their tuition all the way to graduation.

Growing up as a pastor’s daughter she became a devoted Christian, from a long line of Baptists. Mary started attending Bethany Baptist Church in 1980. She worshipped God in her last moments raising her hand and singing hymns in English and Telugu (her mother tongue). Some of her favorites were How Great Thou Art, Blessed Assurance and What a Friend We Have in Jesus.

She lived for 83 years and was married to Padmaraj Phillips for almost 60 years before his passing on August 17, 2025. She is survived by two daughters Munjula (Kenji) and Munjeera (Jeff), and her beloved four grandchildren Kaela, Luke, Mira, and Adam (Marian), all of whom loved her dearly. Her life’s mission was to see her family serving our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. She will be missed. దేవునికే సర్వ స్తోత్రములు మరియు మహిమ కలుగును.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our family and kept her and us in your prayers. We deeply appreciate your love and care.