Hi Brian,

Your mom was my second grade teacher at Hannah Carr many years ago, she was and always will be my favorite teacher. I have so many fond memories of being in her class and the projects we did. She expected a lot from her students, but she had a way of gettin g you to learn difficult subjects and love learning them. Needless to say she was quite special. My family was very lucky to be able to have your mom for both of my daughters at Glenwood. She instilled a love of learning into

both of them and its roots have taken them on live’s path. My one is a lawyer in Philly, and my other is a kindergarten teacher in Tennessee. When she started to teach she was able to talk to your mom for guidance, which she freely gave. I believe any knowledge and tricks of the trade your mother Past on to my daughter are really helping her out. She also helped my older daughter get the reading bug, and since first grade shes taken off to read pretty much anything she can get her hands on. She was a very kind,calm teacher who gave every student what they needed individually. Bunnyville made their little classroom a home away from home, and she treated all of her students lie she would treat you. I sorry that she got such an awful illness, but im sure she was calming you through the worst parts. Please know your family is in our prayers

As a member of the ND Class of 1965 and a fellow Representative on the Student Council, I remember Marilyn as a young woman of quiet dignity, notable intelligence, and model-like posture. My sincere sympathy to Marilyn's family with hopes that your happy memories of her help you through this sad time.

Brian ... well written tribute to your Mom! My daughter was in the Bunnyville classroom, and I worked as an aide alongside Marilyn for a few years before teaching kindergarten at Glenwood. The greeting cards you mentioned always arrived filled with confetti, such a nice surprise each time I opened an envelope. Marilyn's holiday letters were a highlight of the season, you were always mentioned, as were her many nieces ... she adored all of you! Marilyn definitely leaves behind wonderful memories for all of us ... she will be missed. Hugs to all of you!

Your mom was my 2nd grade teacher in 1976 at Hanna Carr. I remember her with incredible fondness as she was a kind and warm teacher but still expected the best out of us. I went on to be a teacher myself. It’s clear she leaves a lasting legacy. Your family will be in my prayers.

That obituary was beautifully written Brian. My heart goes out to you and your family. Though I never met you, your wife or kids, I felt like I had from all the stories Marilyn shared with me. She was so proud of you all. I looked forward to receiving my annual Christmas card from Marilyn each and every year. Last year she sent me a letter telling me about her illness and I wrote back immediately with words of encouragement but I knew it would be my last holiday note from her.

I was so saddened to read that she passed away. My daughter Bailey absolutely loved her first grade year because of her amazing teacher!! Marilyn made a huge impact on all the lives she touched. Not only did my daughter have the privilege to be her student but she touched my life as well. It was so important to her that we parents were also engaged in her class and it was so rewarding to me to be a part of countless classroom events and special days or to even help out. She was an amazing lady whom I will never forget. Marilyn will be missed by so many of us who had a part in Bunnyville. Sending prayers to you and your family, Brian.

Words fail to describe the woman and teacher that Mrs.DePhillips was! She was simply amazing! She expected the best of her students while providing creativity and warmth in her classroom. Mrs. DePhillips loved her students and maintained relationships beyond first grade- sending cards, attending parties and meeting to share a meal.

Brian, she dearly loved you and your family. She often talked of her grandchildren and her beloved nieces.

My family loved Marilyn and we will miss her!

AnnMarie Koveal

Dear Brian,

I had the pleasure of knowing your mother when your grandmother moved to the personal care community where I work. She came almost daily to be with your grandmother and shared her love and talents with all of our residents by thoughtfully organizing weekly crafts custom tailored to their abilities. Her teaching and helping others extended into her retirement years and she was loved by all who knew her.

My condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. May your memories sustain you in the days ahead.

In sympathy,

Lisa G.

Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the entire family. Marilyn's memory and the fun and laughs we shared will forever warm and remain in my heart. She was my buddy, my pal, my sometimes partner in crime, my neighbor, but most of all my very dear friend. I will miss her smiles, her voice and her presence so very much. May she have eternal peace.

To Marilyn's family; I had only know this kind, friendly lady a few short years but did go to Yellowstone National Park with her and 2 other friends just a few years ago and we had such a wonderful time that I have never forgotten her. GOD rest her soul now and give peace to all of you, her family, and her friends. Pat Griffith

Brian,

That was beautifully written, but I expected nothing less from you. What a wonderful tribute. Your mom was a special person. We all loved her. God Bless You, Kathryn, Frankie and Louie. Love and Prayers.

Sue, Ken, Josh & Ryan

What an amazing piece of writing! I did not have the pleasure of knowing your mom, but your essay made me feel like I did. I graduated from Notre Dame in 1965 and also was active in student council. I became a professional writer, which is why I am awestruck by your tribute to your mom. Best wishes to you and your family. My husband died in 2010 of pancreatic cancer. To say the least, cancer sucks.

I had the honor of working with Marilyn at the Brandywine River Museum of Art. The moment she first read to kids at my Read-Aloud program, I knew this was a job she was made for. The kids and grown-ups adored her. She would come to read with an outfit to match the book and a little handled paper bag with the book in it and other materials to show to the kids. I looked forward to seeing her each week. She was calm, kind, loving, and wonderful in every way. Today I dedicate my Read-Aloud to her. She was an amazing woman and I am so blessed she was my friend.

I will miss you Marilyn.

~Liesl Mahoney

Brian, I did not know your mother but I graduated from Norte Dame in 1964. Obviously she was an INCREDIBLE woman to raise such an AMAZING son. I am sure she is smiling thinking of you and her wonderful family. Sending prayers.

What a tremendous eulogy Brian, so nicely done!! Nancy and I have known Marilyn over 55 years (since high school), and what a great friend she has been over all these years. We will very much miss the birthday and anniversary cards from "Bunnyville", getting together for dinner, and phone calls to check in. She was a tremendously strong and classy lady, even through the last 2 years. What a job she did raising her son Brian, she was (is) so proud of him and his family. And, how very lucky to have had such a loving and caring son by her side through her final ordeal.

Good bye our friend, we miss and love you.

Gil and Nancy Furniss

My deepest sympathies to you and your family members. She had a beautiful smile and was always thinking of others. I didn’t know she was sick when she was sending get well wishes for me this past year. She will always be remembered for her hard work.

Pam Richers Class of ‘66

Please accept my sympathy on the loss of your Mother. I was a freshman on Student Council at Notre Dame when Marilyn was President. She was so warm and kind to me and I’m reminded of that after reading about her. I was so sorry to see this posted. But your beautiful and moving words brought back fond memories of that lovely, beautiful young woman I was privileged to know back then. May she Rest In Peace with our Loving Lord. And I hope you find comfort with all your fond memories. - Linda Galati Hunt Class ‘69

First of all, what an honorable tribute.!!!! We can all only pray we leave the same imprint as your mother did for you.

Marilyn drove me to school at Notre Dame. Only because I was lucky enough to be on her route. I was so proud to be with a senior president of Class!!! I have fond memories.

You know when you’re asked that question for password security “Who was your first friend?” My answer was always “Marilyn” which made me remember her; our bus rides to St Hedwig’s; and our walks to the NDHS bus stop. As Pammy knows she visited me six months ago. She was quiet and had her beautiful caring smile.

Thank you to her son who described this amazing mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend. My love and condolences to her family. I know you will remember her dearly and do what she would do in your every day life. Godspeed old friend.