Carol A. Phillips

Carol A. Phillips, age 86, of Bear Lake, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026. She was born on September 28, 1939, in Jamestown, North Dakota, to Orville and Evelyn (Staloch) Reardon. She graduated from St. John's Academy in Jamestown with the Class of 1957. In 1984, Carol married Jon Phillips, and together they shared more than 42 devoted years of marriage. Although she spent the last 25 years in Bear Lake, Carol was a longtime resident of East Lansing, where she raised her family and built a life centered on love, friendship, and community.

Following high school, Carol began her career in travel beginning with Airline school in Minneapolis post-graduation. She began working with Delta Airlines, igniting a lifelong passion for travel and adventure. She later spent 15 years as a travel manager with Washburn Travel in East Lansing, where she helped others plan unforgettable journeys while exploring the world herself. Among her many adventures were a safari in South Africa, dog sledding in Alaska, visiting the Taj Mahal in India, and touring the Arctic Circle. She eventually transitioned to Federal Tax Workshop in East Lansing, where she worked as a marketing manager until her retirement in 2002. While she found great fulfillment in her career, nothing brought her greater joy than her family.

A faithful member of St. John's Student Parish in East Lansing, Carol lived her faith through love, compassion, and service to those closest to her. She was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who led by example, teaching her five children the value of hard work, perseverance, and integrity. Carol possessed remarkable strength and resilience, qualities she instilled in each of her children. She was a tireless advocate for her disabled daughter, Annie, successfully working to have her mainstreamed into East Lansing Public Schools. Her determination also led her to find the best barrier-free college experience at Arizona State University, empowering Annie to pursue her dreams with confidence and independence. Carol treasured every opportunity to have her children and grandchildren gather with her at Bear Lake, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

Carol found great happiness in tending the beautiful gardens she lovingly cultivated at her home. She was a gracious hostess who delighted in bringing people together, often welcoming family and friends for memorable dinner parties filled with wonderful food and lively conversation. An exceptional cook, she expressed her love through every meal she prepared. Wherever she lived, Carol formed lasting friendships and became a cherished neighbor. She enjoyed attending concerts, visiting museums, and participating in community events. Deeply committed to environmental stewardship, she was an enthusiastic recycler and cared greatly for the world around her. Raised on a family farm, she developed a lifelong love of animals, especially cats, dogs, and her beloved West Highland Terriers.

Carol will be remembered for her unwavering strength, generous heart, adventurous spirit, and steadfast devotion to her family. Her love, encouragement, and quiet determination touched countless lives and leaves a lasting legacy. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Carol is survived by her husband Jon Phillips; her children, Gregg (Leslie) Gallagher, Tamra Pickering, and Stephanie (Steve) Varner; her son-in-law Peter (Stacie) Randazzo; her sisters, Evonne (Skeet) Bair and Vicky (Frank) Hassler; her grandchildren, Max Pickering, Meagan (Andy) Eggert, Gabrielle Shoucaire, Nicholas (Gabrielle) Mortimer, Jeffrey (Allison Subotich) Varner, Lauren (Will Brodt) Gallagher, Ryan Gallagher, Joseph (Nina) Randazzo, Peter Randazzo, Jack (Regina Guerra) Randazzo; and her great grandchildren, Zachariah, Abram, Mariella, Dawson, and Eliza. She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughters Ann Gallagher and Kirsten Randazzo.

Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163.