Sarasota, FL- Barbara Lee Phillips, age 79; of Racine, WI and Sarasota, FL; passed away unexpectedly in Sarasota early Friday morning, November 14, 2014.
Barbara was born in Racine on August 19, 1935. A graduate of Washington Park High School, she was a longtime employee of the Racine Journal Times – starting as a part-time paper inserter and retiring 30 years later as Assistant Controller.
On August 16, 1952 she was united in marriage with Robert Pogorzelski, who passed away suddenly on August 8, 2009. Barbara was fortunate and blessed to have another chance at love with Peter Phillips, who was also a widower. Barbara and Peter were married on May 10, 2012 in Sarasota.
Peter and Barbara were members of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. She always looked forward to gatherings with her lifelong girlfriends of the high school card club. Among her interests, Barbara enjoyed golfing, tennis and more recently, bocce ball. She was also up for trying her luck on the casino slots when the opportunity arose. A social butterfly to say the least, Barbara was always the one organizing social gatherings / outings with family, neighbors & friends. In the past few years, Barbara enjoyed various travel excursions – especially to Africa & Italy. Above all, Barbara loved and cherished spending time with her enormous circle of family and friends.
Surviving are her loving husband, Peter; children, Deborah Carlson, Lani (Charles) Renneau, Pamela Busch and Lisa (Patrick) Wood; grandchildren, Robert Monosa, Jason (Laura) Monosa, Megan (Greg) Stollenwerk, Lindsay (Kevin) Barnes, Melissa (Brian) Crogg, Chad Gray, Katie Gray, James Gray, Nicole (Ken) Albridge and Kyle Wood; 16 great-grandchildren, Tyler, Alexis, Emily, Colin, Chase, Jillian, Wyatt, Westin, Wade, Emma, Brianna, Kaden, Gabriel, Jayden, Liam and Wesley; brother, Daniel Hayward; sister, Patricia (Jerry) Zarnek; Peter’s children, Robert (Pam) Phillips, Debra Brinza, Sherri (Michael) Gregg and Julie (Daniel) DeWitt; brother-in-law, David (Delores) Pogorzelski; sisters-in-law, Diane (Squire) Ostrander and Joan Pogorzelski; nieces, nephews, other relatives and loyal friends – in both Racine & Sarasota).
Barbara was preceded in death by her mother, Helen (nee: Allen) Hayward-Principe; first husband, Robert Pogorzelski; son-in-law, Lawrence Busch; grandson, Gabriel Gray; Robert’s parents, Lucy & Hank Pogorzelski; and brother-in-law, Donald Pogorzelski.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, November 24, 2014 at 11:00 am in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring Street in Racine, with Rev. Terry Huebner officiating. A life celebration luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday, November 23, 2014 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm and in the church on Monday from 10-11 am.
Peggy & Joe Antenucci says
Barb,You have been in our lives for such a short time, but it feels like we have know and loved you and Peter forever.
You always had us laughing no matter when we were together.
Now they are laughing and smiling with you in Heaven! You will be truly missed. Our prayers go out to you Peter and your family’s.
Love and Hugs Peggy & Joe Antenucci
Jerry Skoff says
I was both shocked and saddened by the news of your wife’s passing. It must be especially difficult considering how much and little time you had to love one another in this life. I do not know the details of her passing but it must have been sudden since you told me the last time we rode together to play golf that she was making the trip to Italy with you. I hope to see you soon and will try to stop by for the viewing. A friend Jerry
Jay Draeger says
Barb,
You were a special person to me. Always caring, alway kind and always giving. I will always remember you and your wonderful family as being a tremendous part of my life.