Diane Kathleen Mcphillips

Diane Kathleen McPhillips, age 81, of Westminster, passed away on December 4, 2022, after a short battle with leukemia, but lived a very adventuresome, complete, fulfilling life of love and generosity.

Born March 5, 1941, and raised in Brooklyn (Bay Ridge), NY, she was a true New Yorker loving the city and all the worldly culture. After her formative years, Diane earned her Bachelor of Nursing from University of Rhode Island in 1962 when a 4-year degree in nursing was not the norm.  As a young nurse, she met the love of her life Dr. James (Jim) Joseph McPhillips who was completing Medical School in NY. After marriage, the young couple moved to Baltimore, Maryland where Jim completed his residency at the University of Maryland.

Over the next few years, Diane established the family household in the Hunting Ridge neighborhood and became the mother of four (4) children, Tyrone (Ty) McPhillips (LTC, USA Retired) and wife Heidi of San Antonio, TX, Andrea Everton and husband Mitch of Sykesville, MD, and twins Timothy McPhillips and wife Kim of Red Lion, PA and Kimberly Schmidt and husband Tim of North East, MD. The family grew to include 11 grandchildren, one great grandchild and daughter in law, Angie. Diane was also the dear sister to Ron Madsen of Syracuse, NY, as well as aunt to many.

Diane worked as a registered nurse while raising the four children during an era when many women did not hold full time jobs outside the home. She was a caring, ethical, hardworking nurse both in the medical setting along with being a nursing instructor at various Baltimore Nursing Schools. Additionally, she volunteered at church, hospice, and numerous other charities with passion. Later in life at Carroll Lutheran Village (CLV), Diane was a joiner! She signed up for events and activities that would bring her much joy and happiness to those with whom she touched.

As a trailblazer, Diane believed in the power of women and ensured that the “can do” attitude was part of the girls in the McPhillips family. That was further exemplified in her strong beliefs in the Catholic Church and her faith in God that served as a cornerstone in her life.

Furthermore, Diane loved to have fun. She enjoyed travel, dance, the beach, singing, playing ping pong, and attending parades and shows. Throughout her adulthood, Diane and Jim traveled extensively with the family and as a couple. Moreover, she loved listening to the travel stories of her family as they grew.

Lastly, and perhaps the greatest joy in her life was the children and grandchildren. Throughout her life, Diane made huge efforts to attend key life events like marriage ceremonies, births, graduations, military commissioning’s, sport events, school activities, college visits, and special Gram days.

Diane was clearly the matriarch of the McPhillips family for over 50 years and will be dearly missed. Be at Peace.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, December 9, 2022, at the MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, P.A., 91 Willis Street, Westminster, MD 21157. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at St. John Roman Catholic Church, 43 Monroe Street, Westminster, MD 21157. Interment will follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to contribute in her name to BridgingLife Hospice, Development Office, 200 Memorial Avenue, Westminster, MD 21157.