Margaret "Peggy" (Houghton) Phillips, 80, a lifelong resident of Warwick, RI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at Riverview Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife of John C. Phillips for more than 60 years.
Born in Providence, Peggy was the daughter of the late James H. and Mary E. (Thompson) Houghton.
An Educator, Peggy taught in the City of Warwick as an Elementary School Teacher for 30 years until her retirement. For many years, she was an active member of the Greenwood Community Church. Peggy loved singing in the choir, served as a Deacon, taught Sunday school and was a youth fellowship leader. As a member of Greenwood’s Presbyterian Women Association, she served as a moderator and helped coordinate many Christmas Bazaars and May Breakfasts. She was also a member of the Warwick FOPA, a sister in the P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), and was her daughters’ Brownie and Girl Scout leader.
In addition to her devoted husband, Peggy is survived by her loving daughters, Catherine J. Maguire and her husband Robert, of Warwick, Helen I Phillips and cherished granddaughter, Meagan Covey, both of Derry, NH. She is also survived by her sister Elizabeth Diggle (late husband Howard), her niece, Tracy, six nephews (Gary, Geoffrey, Jimmy, John, Kenny, and Howie Jr.), several grand and great nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brother-inlaw Charles E Phillips III and nephew Charlie Diggle.
Peggy was a much loved, kind, and caring woman who always had a smile on her face that would light up a room. She was known as “Mom” to many because she loved all her “kids” as much as they loved her. She was a devoted fan for all her daughters’ sporting events and many hobbies. She treasured family trips to Canada to see her Nova Scotia family, motorhome trips with her husband Johnny to attend their favorite gospel concerts, and summer vacations spent in Jamestown with her young family. She cherished being Meagan’s Grandma and loved all the time they spent together.
Peggy's giving nature was evident by her special annual Christmas tradition of choosing intricate collectible ornaments for family members and special friends. When she wasn’t giving presents she was giving of her time and money. John and Peggy’s house was always the place where everyone gathered. Everyone was welcomed with open arms.
Her Funeral Service was held Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 10:00AM at The Greenwood Community Church, Presbyterian, 805 Main Avenue, Warwick. Burial took place at Knotty Oak Cemetery, Coventry. Visitation was Monday, April 3, 2023, from 4:00PM – 7:00PM, at THE URQUHART-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 800 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her memory to: Greenwood Community Church Presbyterian Women, 805 Main Ave, Warwick, RI 02886 or to Alzheimer’s Association of RI, 245 Waterman Ave., Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906.
Peggy's family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staffs of Riverview Healthcare Center, Harmony Hospice, Butler Hospital, and Cornerstone Adult Daycare for helping her and her family navigate the challenges of such a difficult disease.
