To the Editor:

During this season where the Festival of Lights, “Chanukkah,” and the Coming of the Messiah, Jesus, the Light of the World, “Christmas,” I invite you to ponder some of the many journeys taken by one of Newtown’s favorite residents, Pat Phillip.

Born in Danbury, only sixty-three years ago, Patty journeyed down the aisle of St. Peter Church in the arms of her mom and dad and was baptized into the faith of her family. She would grow up in Danbury, enjoying all of the friendships she would amass at St. Peter School and later, at the newly established Immaculate High School, eventually joining them in journeys down their respective aisles, toward graduation.  Many of these friends would remain by her side throughout her entire life. Patty would continue her quest of learning and culture building, at the St. Vincent School of Nursing, in Bridgeport, once again making a journey to the altar to receive her RN license at the hands of Bishop Curtiss, with whom we would concelebrate the sacrament of Holy Eucharist.

Years later, Patty would make still another procession down the aisle of St. Peter Church, arm in arm with her dad, “Murph,” only to be greeted, in the sanctuary by the love of her life, Mark Philipp, with whom she would  be united, in the sacrament of Matrimony. Three journeys over the next few years to Danbury Hospital, would produce the fruit of that marriage in the births of their three beautiful children, Amy, Colin and Carrie.

Patty would suffer the loss of Mark, in 1987, when he would die in an airplane accident. Along with the help of her family and always faithful friends, Patty would move on, raising her children with love and affection, to be good citizens of the Newtown community. She loved each child who would come to her office for care. One could envision her on early Labor Day morning, spreading out the chairs in the little park on Queen Street, adjacent to her home. She would spend days preparing for a vast crowd of visitors, who, following our great parade, would spend countless hours picnicking in her yard.  

Earlier this year, Patty  made a final trip to Danbury Hospital and in the constant companionship of her mom, relatives and those ever vigilant friends, would prepare for her final earthly journey to where St Paul says: “our true citizenship is in heaven.” The Church reminds us that the term for our final reception of Holy Communion is “viaticum,” i.e, the way or journey to heaven. A Mass of Resurrection was offered prior to her subsequent journey to the Newtown Cemetery where her “remains,” but surely not the real Patty Phillip, would be laid to rest. Until we all make that glorious journey to celebrate, once again, with Patty, the Sandy Hook educators and children, and all of our loved one’s, I wish all the fullness of Christmas happiness. Merry Christmas!

(Rev.) Leo McIlrath

(Uncle of Pat Philipp)

Sugarloaf Road, Sandy Hook                      December 14, 2014