Obituary for Viola S. Philip
Viola Starr Philip of New Preston, born November 18th, 1932, passed away on April 2nd, 2021. Born and raised in New York City, Vi was a true city soul, even after moving to Connecticut. She attended Fordham University where she received her Master's Degree in education and found her passion for teaching.
Vi loved and lived to teach, right after graduating from Fordham she received a job working for the NY Public School System in the Bronx where she spent many years teaching elementary education. Even after relocating to New Preston, she continued to teach working for the New Milford public education system. Vi made a true connection with all of her students, putting in extra time outside of class to help them reach their full potential and to make sure she provided a support system they could always turn to. She put her heart and soul into teaching and did not fully retire from education until the age of 80.
Not only passionate about being an educator, Vi was also an avid animal lover and would always show her support to local animal shelters, as well as many other charities, through countless donations. She was a true character of generosity and dedication.
Full of life and love until the very end, Viola passed peacefully surrounded by close loved ones. She is met in heaven by her husband James and two sons, James Starr and Daniel Russell, who she loved more than anything.
In lieu of flowers we ask that in true Vi fashion donations are made to local animal rescues such as New Milford Animal Welfare Society, and Aspetuck Angel Fund (Aspetuck Animal Hospital).
We will be gathering and celebrating Vi's life at a graveside service at the New Preston Village Cemetery, Baldwin Hill Road, on Friday May 7th at 1:30pm.
Vi loved and lived to teach, right after graduating from Fordham she received a job working for the NY Public School System in the Bronx where she spent many years teaching elementary education. Even after relocating to New Preston, she continued to teach working for the New Milford public education system. Vi made a true connection with all of her students, putting in extra time outside of class to help them reach their full potential and to make sure she provided a support system they could always turn to. She put her heart and soul into teaching and did not fully retire from education until the age of 80.
Not only passionate about being an educator, Vi was also an avid animal lover and would always show her support to local animal shelters, as well as many other charities, through countless donations. She was a true character of generosity and dedication.
Full of life and love until the very end, Viola passed peacefully surrounded by close loved ones. She is met in heaven by her husband James and two sons, James Starr and Daniel Russell, who she loved more than anything.
In lieu of flowers we ask that in true Vi fashion donations are made to local animal rescues such as New Milford Animal Welfare Society, and Aspetuck Angel Fund (Aspetuck Animal Hospital).
We will be gathering and celebrating Vi's life at a graveside service at the New Preston Village Cemetery, Baldwin Hill Road, on Friday May 7th at 1:30pm.