Madge Josephine Phillips
January 21, 1923 - August 30, 2015
Obituary
Madge was born to William and Ethel Harney in Seattle, WA, the 6th of 7 children (5 sisters and 1 brother). She graduated from Cleveland High School where she was active in student government, sports and vocal music. After high school, while working at Sears in Seattle she met Lee Phillips, and in March, 1942 they began their 70-year journey together, lasting until Lee’s passing in 2012.
Following WW II they moved to Tukwila where their daughter Kay was born. They lived in Tukwila for the next 50 years, where Madge was very involved as a volunteer in her community, her church, the local schools, and – of course – youth baseball, a passion she and Lee shared.
Madge began working part-time at the old Tukwila Post Office on Interurban in the late 1950’s. As the Southcenter industrial area developed over the next decade, she was instrumental in opening the ‘new’ Tukwila Post Office in Southcenter, and she served as manager there until 1995 when she retired and she and Lee moved to Kent.
Madge and Lee enjoyed traveling, which ranged from trips to high school baseball games all over the Pacific Northwest, to trips with friends and family to various parts of the world, Hawaii being their favorite destination. She and Lee were inaugural Mariner season ticket holders, and she was still attending games this season.
Madge loved baseball, reading, cooking and baking, sewing, Mount Rainier; and being a wife, mom, mother-in-law, grandma, “gramma-gramma”, sister, aunt, and a good friend to everyone she knew. She will be greatly missed.
Madge is survived by her daughter Kay (Marty) Ottem, granddaughter Kirsten Molina, grandson Mark (Diane) Ottem, and great-grandsons Nate and Parker Ottem; one sister, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and their families; and many, many friends.
Rest in peace Madge. . .
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Madge. . . Greg and I just saw her a few weeks before at the Mariner’s Game! She always looked so good and it was a shock to hear the news. Words cannot express our sympathy for the loss of a great lady! I believe we have know Madge and Lee from the Mariner’s Games for almost 20 years as we sat close by their seats. Always devoted Mariner’s Fans who brought joy to all those around them! She will be missed by all who knew her. . . The Mariner’s lost one of their biggest fans! Fly with the Angels Madge as you join Lee up in Heaven. . .
Peace be with the Family and Friends!
Take Care and God Bless,
Deborah and Greg Mills
Bill & I loved you so, so much, Aunty Madge. Your humor, the respect you showed children by treating them as people in their own right, your strength & common sense, your passionate involvement in so many disparate endeavors. Did I mention your weak ankles? What a legacy you leave behind!
Your amazing kindness & generosity toward me personally provided such needed support. Thank you again for sharing a bit of yourself with me —it’s made a lasting difference.
To Kay & Marty, Kirsten, Mark & Diane, Nate & Parker:
More than anything I’d like to be with you today; Bill hopes to deliver hugs from us both. We love & miss you all, & will make plans to visit once health & happenstance allow.
Be well —
Bill & Robyn Burdick