In the words of Helen, “these things happen”…

Helen Phillips passed away on October 10, 2023 at the age of 97 at home on Mercer Island. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wesley A. Phillips, parents and sister. Helen is survived by her son, Mark Phillips, daughter-in-law Aleta Phillips, and granddaughter Lindsay Phillips.

Helen was the daughter of Tom and Helena Hoyt, born on May 31, 1926 in Portland, Oregon. She graduated from Washington High School in Portland, Oregon, in 1944. She went on to attend the University of Oregon where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and graduated in 1949 with a degree in Psychology and Music.

Helen married Wesley Phillips in 1953 and lived in Milwaukie, Oregon, until moving to Mercer Island in 1973 when Wesley was selected to be the Regional Director for the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration. Helen was an avid musician and played the cello, piano, organ and also sang in church choirs. In 1967, she graduated from Portland State University with a Master’s in social work, quite an achievement for a woman at that time! She went on to have a long career in child welfare. During this time, Helen was selected to be a Forum Member for the 1970 White House Conference on Children. Later, she went to work for the Federal Government in the Department of Health & Human Services for 20 years.

Helen was very active in her church, non-profits, and as a guardian ad litem for King County Courts. She enjoyed swimming, strawberries, flowers, music, cats and watching the Oregon Ducks football team.

The family greatly appreciates the care that Helen received from Aljoya Mercer Island, Synergy Home Care, Evergreen Hospice, and Griswold Home Care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to University of Oregon School of Music & Dance, Portland State University School of Social Work, Portland Youth Philharmonic, Colonial Williamsburg, or Mercer Island Presbyterian Church. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.