Birdena R. Phillips

WEST STEWARTSTOWN – Birdena R. Phillips, 89, passed away early on Monday morning, April 4, 2016, at the Coös County Nursing Hospital in West Stewartstown, with her family by her side. Birdena was born in Stewartstown on June 23, 1926, a daughter to the late Maurice and Lila (Williams) Hibbard. She was raised on Bear Rock Road in Stewartstown and later on the family farm in East Colebrook. She married Carroll B. Phillips on April 1, 1944. She always enjoyed cooking for her family, even at an early age; and for 20 years, Birdena was the kitchen supervisor at UCVH. She gave much personal attention and care to the patients and staff at the hospital, and many local residents fondly remember her culinary talent. Even after retirement, Birdena did much cooking and contributed to fund-raising events at the Methodist Church. Earlier in life, she had been employed by the Colebrook Country Club as a housekeeper, and she later worked at the Stratford Plywood Mill for a time. With her husband, her greatest joy was spending time with family. Together, they enjoyed many good retirement years, traveling to Nova Scotia, Europe, and throughout the United States. Her legacy remains alive in her family, with a great love for all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, never missing a birthday, sporting event or special occasion. She is survived by her five children, Maurice Phillips and wife Pamela of Crestview, Fla., Eileen Fogg of Colebrook, Leta Brown and husband Wayne of Colebrook, Gary Phillips of Colebrook, and Jane Cross and husband Carey of Colebrook; nine grandchildren, Karen, Darren, Michael, Kimberley, Russell, Brian, Steven, Holly and Shelley; and twelve great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband of nearly 63 years, Carroll, in 2007, and three brothers, Cecil, Edwin and Bernard Hibbard. The family will receive visitors at Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home on Thursday, April 7, 2016, from 1 to 2 p.m. with a short funeral service immediately following at the funeral home. A graveside interment service will be later in the spring in the Colebrook Village Cemetery, of which notice will be given. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Birdena may be made to the CCNH Residents’ Activity Fund, c/o P.O. Box 10, W. Stewartstown, NH 03597. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements in NH are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Birdena R. Phillips

June 23, 1926 - April 4, 2016